The International Air Transport Association has called on the leaders of the G20 to act quickly to support the aviation industry or risk coronavirus causing “irrecoverable damage to international connectivity”.
In an open letter sent to the G20 Presidency, director general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Alexandre de Juniac said that air transport will play an essential role in facilitating the recovery of the global economy.
Noting that the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting government-mandated border closings and travel restrictions have led to the destruction of global air travel demand, de Juniac urged governments to urgently provide, or facilitate the provision of, financial support. He noted that some G20 members already have acted, including Australia, Brazil and China.
The letter states: “Direct financial support, loan or loan guarantees and tax relief are all programs that can provide both immediate and medium- to long-term assistance to the airline industry and its employees. These measures are required urgently and to be successful, need to be included in a comprehensive rescue package.
“Aviation has not only made globalization possible, it has successfully lifted more than 1 billion people from poverty since 1990 and it continues such efforts by contributing to 15 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Without the global connectivity provided by aviation, the post-pandemic economic
recovery and progress towards securing the well-being of our global community will be seriously
impeded.”
By value, 35% of international trade us flown by air, 57% of international tourists travel by air and each airline job contributes to 24 more in the wider economy.
The G20 is an international forum of governments and central bank governors from the wealthiest countries in the world, which discusses policy to promote international financial stability. The G20 economies account for around 90% of the gross world product, 80% of world trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.
