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.
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