ASEAN Open skies – aviation development in 2015: Blue or cloudy skies?

2015 was the date set for regional economic integration by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community (AEC). The AEC vision recognises the importance of a single market and production base for a highly competitive economic region. While air transport is paramount in achieving full integration into the global economy, equitable economic regional development is also an essential element.

This paper presents the findings of research carried out into the developments of Open Skies in Southeast Asia, considering the achievements and obstacles faced in attaining this goal. Reflection is provided upon the development stages of ASEAN Open Skies and the ASEAN approach to liberalisation. Ultimately, consideration is given as to whether the ambitious aviation target set was met, and whether there are blue skies, in the sense of a single air transport market in the region.

The conclusion drawn is that, in 2015, ASEAN did not realise the open skies aim that it set. The skies are still cloudy with many remaining obstacles to overcome.