Asian airlines are raising concerns over the possible implementation by the United States of more stringent security measures on air freight carried in the bellies of passenger aircraft amid heightened fears over terrorism.
Airlines said the US needed to consult with the industry before unilaterally adopting stricter security measures, especially in light of reports that it was considering a total ban on all belly-hold cargo.
International Air Transport Association regional director Andrew Drysdale said: 'I know the issue has been discussed in the US. If the measure is imposed, the financial impact for carriers is enormous. We encourage maximum consultation before it gets any further.'
The key issue for Asian airlines is that they typically carry much more belly freight than US carriers. This has led to charges that the moves are a thinly veiled tool for protectionism.
'Many of the routes that [Asian carriers] fly would not exist were it not for the cargo in the bellies. The revenues from belly-hold cargo often mean the difference between profit and loss on many routes,' said an executive from a Asian carrier.
Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) technical director Leroy Keith said most of the US deliberations would be confidential. But he said the impact on Asia if belly freight were banned would extend far beyond airlines and affect Asian shippers and US consumers.