PPPs to power sustainable aviation in Southeast Asia

As air travel continues to soar in Southeast Asia, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are expected to bolster the region’s aviation sector to meet the growing demand sustainably, according to the Tokyo-based think tank Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI).

- BY DEXTER BARRO II

In a policy brief, ADBI said that the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in the aviation sector worldwide.

The region’s unique geography—combined with rising incomes, population growth, and an expanding middle class—is expected to propel air travel demand to unprecedented heights.

As the backbone of the region’s connectivity, ADBI noted that the aviation sector will be essential for stronger economic integration and development.

ADBI, however, explained that the growing demand for air travel would lead to an increase in environmental challenges such as higher carbon emissions, greater resource consumption, land-use issues, and even noise pollution.