IATA calls for reopening borders , airlines to lose $118.5 billion in 2020
Travel Biz News —
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged all the governments to re-open borders to travel through its 76th Annual General Meeting held this week.
IATA has proposed systematic testing of international travelers which would permit lifting of border restrictions and provide an alternative to current quarantine rules.
” Quarantines essentially kill demand for air travel and governments need to immediately consider the drastic socio-economic effect this is having , ” IATA said in a statement.
“International air travel continues to be down 90% on 2019 levels. Current estimates are that as many as 46 million jobs supported by air travel could be lost and that the economic activity sustained by aviation will be reduced by US $1.8 trillion.”
In its resolution the AGM also: reaffirmed the industry’s continuing commitment to implementing globally agreed biosafety protocols, encouraged governments to implement guidance developed by ICAO,asked governments to ensure that aviation staff and international travelers are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination once safe and effective treatments become available and health care workers and vulnerable groups have been protected.
The AGM also reinforced the vital role of air transport in facilitating the global response to the pandemic, including the timely distribution of medicines, testing kits, protective equipment and eventually vaccines around the world.
IATA unanimously approved a resolution re-confirming the airlines’ unwavering commitment to safely and sustainably re-connect the planet.
During the crisis, airlines have cut costs nearly in half but revenues have plummeted even faster. Airlines are expected to lose $118.5 billion in 2020 and a further $38.7 billion in 2021, turning cash positive only at the end of 2021.
Airlines reconfirmed their commitment to reduce net CO2 emissions to half of 2005 levels by 2050.
JetBlue Airways will host the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Boston, Massachusetts, on 27-29 June 2021.
The decision to host the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting in Boston was made at the conclusion of the 76th AGM, which was held virtually with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines as the host airline.
Nov. 26 , 2020 Image : IATA
