Airlines say they are set to fly again. However, they have listed five principles which government around the world must meet before re-connecting the world by air transport amid COVID-19 pandemic.
The five principles, announced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), are as follows: aviation authorities will always put safety and security first: The airlines promised to work with governments, institutions and across the industry to implement a science-based biosecurity regime that will keep passengers and crew safe while enabling efficient operations. Also ensure that aviation is not a meaningful source for the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.
Aviation will respond flexibly as the crisis and science evolve: Airlines
commit to work with governments, institutions and across the industry to utilize
new science and technology as it becomes available, for example, reliable,
scalable and efficient solutions for COVID-19 testing or immunity passports.
Develop a predictable and effective approach to managing any future border closures or mobility restrictions. Ensure that measures are scientifically supported, economically sustainable, operationally viable, continuously reviewed, and removed/replaced when no longer necessary.
Aviation will be a key driver of the economic recovery: Airlines commit to work with governments, institutions and across the industry to re-establish capacity that can meet the demands of the economic recovery as quickly as possible. Ensure that affordable air transport will be available in the post-pandemic period.
Aviation will meet its environment targets: Airlines commit to work with governments, institutions and across the industry to achieve our long-term goal of cutting net carbon emissions to half of 2005 levels by 2050. Successfully implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Aviation will operate to global standards which are harmonized and mutually recognized by governments: Airlines commit to work governments, institutions and across the industry to establish the global standards necessary for an effective re-start of aviation, particularly drawing on strong partnerships with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Ensure that agreed measures are effectively implemented and mutually recognized by governments.
“Re-starting air transport is important. Even as the pandemic continues, the
foundations for an industry re-start are being laid through close collaboration
of the air transport industry with ICAO, the WHO, individual governments and
other parties. Much work, however, remains to be done. By committing to these
principles, the leaders of the world’s airlines will guide the safe,
responsible and sustainable re-start of our vital economic sector. Flying is
our business. And it is everyone’s shared freedom.
“There is no single measure that will reduce risk and enable a safe re-start of flying. But layering measures that are globally implemented and mutually recognized by governments can achieve the needed outcome. This is the greatest crisis that aviation has ever faced. A layered approach has worked with safety and with security. It’s the way forward for biosecurity as well,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
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