The International Transport Federation (ITF) has added its weight to calls by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) for the world’s governments to provide continued financial support for the aviation industry and to prioritise a globally harmonised systematic pre-departure testing scheme for all passengers.
Iata estimates that the industry will not recover to 2019 levels until at least 2024. “Support to the aviation sector - an industry that has repatriated citizens and kept supply chains and crucial medical equipment moving throughout the pandemic - has been insufficient to prevent thousands of job losses. Globally some 4.8 million aviation workers’ jobs are at risk,” says Iata’s director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.
Governments have so far provided $160 billion in aid – but despite this revenues are expected to close the year over 62% down compared to 2019 and airlines continue to burn through cash at the rate of $300 000 a day.
“The imminent closure of 70% of the current wage subsidy programmes will mean maintaining employment at current levels will be unsustainable. Without immediate action from governments to further support the industry, the situation will trigger a massive jobs crisis,” says an ITF spokesperson.
The organisations have also called on governments to encourage investment in green technologies - especially sustainable aviation fuels - to help the industry build back better after Covid-19.