IATA urges governments to do more during the COVID-19 pandemic

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed the support of those governments around the world that have provided financial relief to airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic but have urged other governments to follow suit before more damage is done.

“Airlines are fighting for survival in every corner of the world,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO. “Travel restrictions and evaporating demand mean that, aside from cargo, there is almost no passenger business. For airlines, it’s apocalypse now. There is a small and shrinking window for governments to provide a lifeline of financial support to prevent a liquidity crisis from shattering the industry.”

According to IATA’s latest analysis, annual passenger revenues will fall by $252 billion if severe travel restrictions remain in place for three months. That represents a 44 per cent decline compared to 2019. This is well-over double IATA’s previous analysis of a $113 billion revenue hit that was made before countries around the world introduced sweeping travel restrictions.

In urging more government action, de Juniac cited some examples of support, including Australia announcing an A$715 million aid package comprising refunds and forward waivers on fuel taxes, and domestic air navigation and regional aviation security charges, and Brazil allowing airlines to postpone payments of air navigation and airport fees.

In addition to this support, the European Central Bank, and the United States Congress are expected to enact significant measures to aid the airline industry in their respective jurisdictions as part of large packages of broader economic measures.

“This shows that states around the globe, recognise the critical role that aviation plays in the modern world. But many others have still to act to preserve the important role of this sector,” de Juniac continued. “Airlines are an economic and employment engine. This is demonstrated even as passenger operations shrink, as airlines continue to deliver cargo that is keeping the economy going and getting relief supplies where they are needed most. The ability for airlines to be a catalyst for economic activity will be vital in repairing the economic and social damage that COVID-19 is now causing.” 

IATA has said it is now calling for:

1. Direct financial support to passenger and cargo carriers to compensate for reduced revenues and liquidity attributable to travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19
2. Loans, loan guarantees and support for the corporate bond market by the government or central banks. The corporate bond market is a vital source of finance, but the eligibility of corporate bonds for central bank support needs to be extended and guaranteed by governments to provide access for a wider range of companies
3. Tax relief: Rebates on payroll taxes paid to date in 2020 and/or an extension of payment terms for the rest of 2020, along with a temporary waiver of ticket taxes and other government-imposed levies.

“It did not seem possible, but in a matter of days, the crisis facing airlines worsened dramatically. We are 100 per cent behind governments in supporting measures to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said de Juniac. “But we need them to understand that without urgent relief, many airlines will not be around to lead the recovery stage. Failure to act now will make this crisis longer and more painful. Some 2.7 million airline jobs are at risk. Each of those jobs supports a further 24 in the travel and tourism value chain. Some governments are already responding to our urgent calls, but not enough to make up the $200 billion needed.”