Aviation body calls for emergency support to airlines

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Thursday called on African and the Middle Eastern governments to provide emergency support to airlines due to the evaporation of air travel demand amid coronavirus outbreak.

Airlines’ revenues are plummeting -- outstripping the scope of even the most drastic cost containment measures driven by flight bans as well as international and regional travel restrictions, said Geneva-based IATA in a statement.

The group estimates an emergency aid of up to $200 billion is required on a global basis.

The CEO of IATA, Alexandre de Juniac, said that demand fall by as much as 60% on remaining ones in Africa and Middle East, putting millions of jobs at risks.

"Airlines need urgent government action if they are to emerge from this in a fit state to help the world recover, once COVID-19 is beaten," Juniac warned.

Africa’s air transport industry’s economic contribution is estimated at $55.8 billion supporting 6.2 million jobs and contributing 2.6% to GDP, IATA data shows.

In the Middle East air transport’s economic contribution is estimated at $130 billion supporting 2.4 million jobs and contributing 4.4% to GDP.