The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines ( AAPA ) will focus on safety issues in its program this year.

AAPA Director General Andrew Herdman said the association would prioritize safety alongside sustainability, aviation infrastructure and regulatory issues.

To achieve these goals, the association works with many airlines throughout the region.

“A number of ASEAN carriers already participate in our activities and we encourage more active involvement, as aviation safety is a common priority for all,” he told on Wednesday.

From the 16 members of AAPA, seven of them are a part of ASEAN, namely Garuda Indonesia, Bangkok Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Air and Thai Airways International.

Andrew underlined that the association is open to all carriers, not only to full-service airlines or flag carriers, but also low cost carriers.

“AAPA membership is open to any airline based in the Asia Pacific region operating scheduled international services, including full service airlines and low cost carriers,” he said.