The APEC Air Transport Schedule

The international air transport regulatory system is subject to a number of forces for change. APEC has an opportunity to influence the response to these forces and to direct the subsequent reform process to achieve a more efficient system. This paper argues this case and notes some options for action by APEC. It begins with a review of the features of the existing regulatory system and its trade inhibiting effects. Forces driving change are outlined and possible responses are examined. Potential APEC strategies are divided into two groups — one associated with establishing a new trading framework which is consistent with the rules of the international trading system, and the other proposing a more active role for APEC in dealing with specific issues or initiatives.