Australia’s Qantas will not renew its membership in the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) when it expires this year, ending its 40-year membership in the 17-member regional body.

“Qantas continually reviews the effectiveness of public affairs activities, including membership of industry bodies,” the carrier said adding that this included international organisations, such as the AAPA.

“With the growth of aviation in Asia, and the need to manage our premium brand, Qantas, and our low fare Jetstar brands, it is now more appropriate for the Qantas Group to manage more stakeholder relationships in the Asia Pacific directly or in tandem with regional airline partners,” Qantas added.

The carrier said it did not have any plans to pull-out of the global industry association, the International Air Transport Association (IATA).