Alexandre de Juniac, General Director and CEO of IATA made important statements where he reviewed the current affairs of the aviation market and shared his vision of this season. The official stated: “International passenger demand fell by 75%, domestic demand by almost half. Air cargo fared better with the decline limited to 10%. That makes it a source of income for many. airlines and routes. But the overall highlight in 2020 is that it saw the biggest drop in demand. And any recovery stalled in November. “
“Our forecast is for traffic to return to half of 2019 levels in 2021. But the proliferation of travel restrictions we’ve seen since the beginning of the year could make even that modest outlook very challenging.”
“In the face of these new restrictions, our call for a partnership with governments is even more essential. There will be a turning point in this crisis. And it is important to be prepared for it.”
“I don’t think anyone envisions a world free of COVID-19 anytime soon. Certainly not in the next few months or even within this year. But our ability to manage risk is increasing as more people get vaccinated and it expands. the ability to test “.
“Over time, we will be at a point where these and other measures will give governments the assurance that the risk of restarting our lives, including travel, is tolerable, while also recognizing the significant social and economic benefits at stake. We are looking forward to working with governments as partners to understand what the benchmarks and conditions will be for a decision that restores people’s freedom of movement. “
“Why are we so eager for a plan? So that we don’t waste a minute reconnecting the world when it’s safe to do so. A functioning aviation industry will add a vital boost to economic recovery. Indeed, without aviation, the recovery is probably not possible. We have all seen too many stories about the terrible job losses and human suffering in the travel and tourism industry. So-called “stay vacations” and local tourism are not the answer. aviation will be able to drive a recovery. “
“Some governments have already responded positively to an industry partnership. In the UK, for example, we are working with the local airline association to provide a recommended framework. And this was at the invitation of the government, a very positive sign that the partnership approach will generate significant value. “
“In the US, IATA represents international airlines in the Biden Administration’s almost daily interagency consultations on COVID measures. And in Latin America, today we will announce an agreement with the Government of Panama and Copa Airlines to partner with us. in the IATA Travel Pass trial. This is the first airline in the Americas to pilot the program and the first government in the world to publicly support it. The trial is scheduled to begin in March on select Copa flights from downtown airline in Panama City. “
“Meanwhile, airlines continue to struggle to survive. In recent days we have seen thousands of airline employees in the United States receive the difficult news that their jobs could disappear on April 1 when the current wage subsidy ends.”
“Aid packages have been a vital lifeline for airlines around the world. Governments have contributed $ 200 billion to help keep the industry viable. But even this staggering amount will not allow the industry to move forward if we have restrictions on shipping. severe travel well into 2021. More will be needed. “
“There is no single formula for the help that is needed. But what is vitally important is that governments understand the specific situation of airlines in their market and provide the appropriate support, support that does not increase debt levels anymore. And this message is also sent to regional funding mechanisms in the developing world. When governments don’t have the resources, international funding organizations, such as development banks, may need to step in”.