The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) Asia Pacific Regional Jet and Turboprop Safety Exchange conference on June 30 brought together around 15 regional operators, aircraft manufacturers and industry partners to share operational safety experiences, emerging trends and best practices.
The virtual forum provided a dedicated platform for regional jet and turboprop operators to discuss the unique operational challenges associated with regional aviation across Asia Pacific. Participants exchanged information on safety performance, operational trends, training, human performance and future priorities aimed at further strengthening aviation safety.
The meeting was attended by operators from across the region along with aircraft manufacturers ATR, Embraer and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. ATR and Embraer shared valuable perspectives from manufacturers on operational safety and training.
Speaking at the event, Chairman Captain Somchai Sopanon of Bangkok Airways commented that regional and turboprop operations are essential to the connectivity and economic development of many communities in Asia Pacific. While these operations often present unique operational challenges, they also provide important opportunities for collaboration. Today’s Safety Exchange demonstrates the willingness of operators, manufacturers and industry partners to openly share experiences and work collectively to further strengthen aviation safety across the region.
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A key feature of the meeting was the confidential exchange of aggregate safety information presented by participating operators. Anonymous information sharing allowed participants to identify common operational themes, discuss lessons learned, and consider opportunities for collaborative safety improvements without identifying individual airlines.
Participants also received updates on two important regional initiatives led by AAPA.
The first highlighted the ongoing development of the Asia Pacific Flight Route Management Manual, led by the Flight Safety Foundation with support from AAPA and regional operators. Participants were encouraged to contribute feedback through the regional survey to help ensure the Handbook reflects the operational realities of Asia Pacific.
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Participants also received an update on the recently completed Asia Pacific Crew Resource Management (CRM) Manual, a collaborative initiative involving regulators, airlines, an aircraft manufacturer, training organizations and academia. The Manual, recently presented to the ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Aviation Safety Team (APRAST), provides practical guidance and aims to further strengthen aviation safety across Asia Pacific, especially in the area of human factors.
The Safety Exchange reaffirmed AAPA’s commitment to providing practical forums that foster collaboration, facilitate the exchange of operational experiences and support the continuous improvement of aviation safety throughout the Asia Pacific region.
