[280420.EN.AIR] World Governments Lack Coordination To Keep Air Cargo Moving: IATA

THE International Air Transport Association (IATA) says governments need to improve international coordination to keep air cargo flowing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

IATA said delays in permit approvals, quarantine measures for air cargo crew and not enough support on the ground continue to hamper the movement of cargo flights carrying vital medical supplies and other necessities.

"Governments need to step up and ensure that vital supply lines remain open and efficient and that there is adequate infrastructure and support available in the air and on the ground,"said IATA cargo chief Glyn Hughes.

Many governments and international regulatory bodies are facilitating the movement of air cargo. The European Commission issued Guidelines on Facilitating Air Cargo Operations During Covid-19 Outbreak, the IATA press release.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has implemented a series of emergency contacts to ensure cargo border blockages can be responded to immediately, and the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has issued a series of state letters urging member states to further facilitate air cargo flows during this time of crisis.

But there are still too many examples of delays in getting charter permits issued, a lack of exemptions on covid-19 testing for air cargo crew, and inadequate ground infrastructure to/from and within airport environments.

IATA is urging governments to: cut the paperwork for charter operations; exempt cargo crew from quarantine rules that apply to the general population; ensure there is adequate staff and facilities to process cargo efficiently; mutually recognise agreed global standards (health certificates, licenses, etc.); and ensure alternate airports are available even if passenger flights are not operating.

"To keep cargo flights operating safely, airlines need access to alternate airports along all routes. These alternate airports are where aircraft can land in the event of an emergency during flight. Because of the sharp drop in passenger flights, some airports that serve the critical alternate airport function are closed or not available at all times.

"A coordinated effort by governments to keep alternate airports operational is needed. If not, the global air cargo network cannot function and vital shipments are at risk,"said Mr Hughes.

IATA predicts airlines will suffer up revenue losses of US$314 billion for 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic. AAPA says Asia-Pacific traffic was down 93 per cent in first week of April as borders remain closed. IATA also highlighted that 25 million jobs would be at risk as air travel shuts down.

Source : HKSG.