Has liberalisation stalled?

• Worldwide forums on international air transport policy since 1994 embraced liberalism.
• There is evidence that passengers, in increasing numbers, have been the main beneficiaries.
• Industry believes that it continues to be restrained by unnecessary regulations.
• There are divergent views about the current state of liberalisation.
• ICAO asserts that is the sole forum responsible for promoting liberalisation on a global basis.

This paper addresses the concern expressed in some quarters that the process of liberalisation of international air transport has lost its momentum. The paper argues that any assessment about whether liberalisation has stalled needs to be based on an understanding of the outcomes expected to be achieved. One view is that liberalisation is beneficial because it can deliver specific outcomes. Another view is that liberalisation is a process leading to the evolution of a system of regulation by market forces. Accordingly, the status of liberalisation can be measured in terms of specific deliverables or it can be measured according to whether shared values and beliefs take precedence over the interests of individual members. The paper examines these views and discusses factors that will drive or inhibit further liberalisation. Particular attention is paid to the role of ICAO since this organization considers that it is the forum in which global solutions on this matter are to be pursued.