The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) today announced the addition of Australian carrier Qantas Airways to its members.

“A long-standing member like Qantas will not only strengthen our association’s voice in international civil aviation policy discussions, but will also reinvigorate the already effective regional collaboration on the key principles of air transport – safety, sustainability and seamless air connectivity", commented AAPA Director General, Subhas Menon.

Qantas's entry into the association is effective immediately. The AAPA's permanent secretariat is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with international representation in Brussels and Washington. Together, the region's airlines account for more than a third of global passenger and cargo air traffic, and are therefore playing a leading role in the continued development of global aviation.