Targeting Key Industry Priorities

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AASA has an extensive agenda impacting virtually all organisations and businesses operating in the airline industry. AASA takes a leadership role in driving many of these initiatives and works closely with IATA, airlines and other industry bodies to achieve the mandates.

Key industry priorities include:​​

• Service Providers: ACSA, ATNS, SAWS and SACAA tariff determinations are undertaken through extensive consultation with the service provider, with the final decision being taken by the regulator of these respective bodies, and the approval of the responsible Ministers. AASA is directly involved in these consultations, and prepares input with the support of industry associations and airlines, on behalf of the industry in response to  proposals presented, with the objective of reaching a consensus position to ensure the final product serves the interests of all parties.

• Environment: AASA supports the ICAO and IATA-driven initiatives to reduce the carbon footprints and impact of aviation on the environment, as one of the key international, regional and local priorities. Internationally, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Agreement as signed by ICAO States at the 38th ICAO Assembly is supported, and as an example, in respect of the South African domestic requirements, where Carbon Taxes are being proposed, AASA consults with the respective government departments of Transport, Treasury, and Environmental Affairs to reach a solution which advocates the implementation of the international carbon offsetting solution for aviation in South Africa, as opposed to a dedicated local or regional solution.

• Legislation, Regulations and Policy: AASA monitors and provides comment on all proposed legislation, regulations and policies impacting the aviation industry. AASA invites and receives comments from its Members to ensure their views and input is included in response to respective proposals. AASA is also involved in all forums where discussions are held to debate the merits of the proposals, and to seek beneficial and workable amendments to legislation, regulations and policy, examples include the following:

  • The Consumer Protection Act.

  • The Civil Aviation Act.

  • National Civil Aviation Policy.

  • The National Airport Development Plan.

  • The National Airspace Plan.

  • Civil Aviation Regulations.
     

• Safety and Security: AASA's Standing Committee on Safety provides an important forum for dealing with safety matters in the airline industry. AASA represents its Members at Security Forums to ensure their voices are heard and interests are served, which supports the harmonisation of security measures to improve security processes.

• Operations: An Operations Committee, involving interested Member representatives, has been convened to deal with flight operations and regulatory matters requiring resolution between the airline industry and its respective Aviation Authorities. AASA represents the airline industry at the IATA and ICAO forums where such matters are discussed.  

• Regional Representation: AASA is the appointed regional airline association representing airline interests on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Civil Aviation Committee. The priorities of this committee include driving the liberalisation process, the establishment of the SADC Aviation Safety Organisation, and harmonisation of regulations across the region.

• Improved Passenger Processes: Through its direct involvement in Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), AASA supports the implementation of the IATA Fast Travel Program.

• Training: AASA sponsors training programs for its Members in promoting skills development and transformation initiatives.

AASA has a mandate to provide these services to all its Airline Members, and all airlines are encouraged to request AASA's assistance and intervention in addressing any industry issues. 
    AASA values the support and engagement of its Airline and Associate Members in the work it undertakes, and the results accomplished.