Airline industry will emerge bruised but reformed - IATA chief

THE GLOBAL airline industry faces potential losses of US$7-billion on international scheduled services in 2001, according to IATA director general and c.e.o. Pierre J. Jeanniot. This, he said, is up from the estimate of US$2.5-bn before the September terrorist attacks with the added loss of some 120 000 jobs amongst airlines in the subsequent three weeks. But, Jeanniot added: "I am very confident that our industry will weather the storm. It will emerge, bruised but reformed, and very much strengthened." He also looked forward to a recovery in 2002 - pointing out that flying was still the safest form of mass transport.