Some Asian airlines could collapse like Spirit without help on rising fuel costs

Wong Hong, who took over as director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines last month, said carriers needed varying levels of help and relief, from direct financial support to being able to cut flight schedules without negative consequences.

“Nobody wants to see any airline getting into a situation like what we’re seeing with Spirit,” Hong said in an interview. “If those things were to happen before governments take action, that would be a pity.”

Spirit shut down operations earlier this month after buckling under the weight of surging fuel prices.

Meantime, Hong Kong airlines have not received any support so far, and nor has state-controlled Air New Zealand, despite forecasting a large full-year loss that has forced it to accelerate cost cuts.