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KUALA LUMPUR (November 25): The International Air Transport Association (IATA) at its 76th Annual General Meeting (AGM) unanimously resolved to make an urgent call to governments to reopen borders for travel.
In a statement today, IATA said it is proposing systematic testing of international travelers that would allow the lifting of border restrictions and provide an alternative to current quarantine rules.
He said quarantines essentially kill the demand for air travel and governments must immediately consider the resulting drastic socio-economic effect.
“International air travel continues to decline 90% from 2019 levels. Current estimates are that up to 46 million jobs supported by air travel could be lost and that economic activity supported by aviation will decline by 1.8 trillion dollars, “he said. .
The world’s airline trade association said the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) takeoff measures make flying safe, but border closures, movement restrictions and quarantine measures make travel impossible for the majority.
“We must manage how we live with the virus. But that does not have to mean destroying aviation, putting millions of jobs at risk, paralyzing economies and destroying the international social fabric.
“We could safely open borders today with systematic testing for Covid-19,” said IATA CEO and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.
In its resolution, the AGM also reaffirmed the industry’s continued commitment to implement globally agreed biosecurity protocols.
He also encouraged governments to implement the guidance developed by ICAO and called on governments to ensure that aviation personnel and international travelers are given priority for vaccination against Covid-19 once safe and effective treatments are available. and health workers and vulnerable groups have been protected.
“The AGM also reinforced the vital role of air transport in facilitating the global response to the pandemic, including the timely distribution of drugs, test kits, protective equipment and eventually vaccines around the world,” said IATA.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, IATA said the AGM also unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming the airlines’ unwavering commitment to reconnecting the planet in a safe and sustainable manner.
He said the resolution called on governments to ensure the viability of the industry with continued financial and regulatory support, help the industry meet its 2050 goal of cutting emissions to half from 2005 levels while exploring ways to achieve emissions. net of zero carbon through investments of economic stimulus in the commercialization of sustainable products. Aviation fuel (SAF).
IATA also called on governments to work with airlines to ensure that safety standards and critical skills are maintained both during the crisis and in the subsequent restart and expansion of operations.
“Covid-19 has devastated the balance sheets of our member airlines and we need continued government support to allow the aviation industry to restart and rebuild connectivity. Without the economic benefits that aviation offers, the global economic recovery will be much weaker and slower, ”said de Juniac.
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