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With severe travel restrictions being put in place
and weakening passenger demand around the globe, IATA has called on governments to
take urgent measures to ensure that air cargo is available to
support the global fight against COVID19.
Since the pandemic began, air cargo has been a
vital partner in delivering much-needed medicines, medical
equipment (including spare parts/repair components), and in
keeping global supply chains functioning for the most
time-sensitive materials.
This has been done through dedicated cargo
freighter operations, utilization of cargo capacity in passenger
aircraft and with relief flights to affected areas.
Air cargo is also instrumental in transporting
food and other products purchased online in support of quarantine
and social distancing policies implanted by states.
“Over 185,000 passenger flights have been
cancelled since the end of January in response to government
travel restrictions,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s
Director General and CEO. “With this, vital cargo capacity has
disappeared when it is most urgently needed in the fight against
COVID19. The world’s fleet of freighter aircraft has been
mobilized to make up this capacity shortfall. Governments must
take urgent measures to ensure that vital supply lines remain
open, efficient and effective.”
IATA says that governments must see air cargo as an essential
part of the fight against COVID19 and take the following actions:
– Exclude air cargo operations from any
COVID19-related travel restrictions, to ensure life-saving
medical products can be transported without disruption;
– Ensure that standardized measures are in place
so that air cargo can continue to move around the world with
minimal disruptions;
– Exempt air cargo crew members, who do not
interact with the public, from 14-day quarantine requirements;
– Support temporary traffic rights for cargo
operations where restrictions may apply; and
– Remove economic impediments, such as overfly
charges, parking fees, and slot restrictions to support air cargo
operations during these unprecedented times.
“Air cargo carriers are working closely with
governments and health organizations around the world to safeguard
public health while also keeping the global economy moving. Today,
as we fight a global health war against COVID19, governments must
take urgent action to facilitate air cargo. Keeping cargo flowing
will save lives,” said de Juniac.
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