The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to take urgent measures to ensure that air cargo will be available to support the global fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Air cargo is instrumental in transporting food and other products purchased online in support of quarantine and social distancing policies implemented by states, IATA said. However, the dramatic travel restrictions and collapse of passenger demand have severely limited cargo capacity.
“Over 185,000 passenger flights have been cancelled since the end of January in response to government travel restrictions. With this, vital cargo capacity has disappeared when it is most urgently needed in the fight against COVID-19. 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,” Alexandre de Juniac, IATA director general and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
IATA said the government must see air cargo as an essential part of the fight against COVID-19.
Governments must exclude air cargo operations from any COVID-19-related travel restrictions to ensure life-saving medical products can be transported without disruption.
They must also exempt air cargo crew members, who do not interact with the public, from the 14-day quarantine requirement and support temporary traffic rights for cargo operations where restrictions may apply, IATA said.
IATA also proposed to 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 COVID-19, governments must take urgent action to facilitate air cargo. Keeping cargo flowing will save lives,” said de Juniac.
Since the crisis 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, IATA said.
IATA represents some 290 airlines comprising 82 percent of global air traffic.
