Call To Action
Airports Council International (ACI) World says it has laid out a road map for the recovery of the airport sector and wider aviation ecosystem from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Aviation is one of the most strategic sectors of national and global economies. It is essential for trade, business, tourism, and economic growth but ACI recently revealed that the airport industry is anticipating global passenger numbers to decrease by -5.6 billion this year, along with an unprecedented $104.5 billion reduction in revenue.
According to ACI, the recovery of aviation will fuel the global economic recovery and the Policy Brief; Path to the airport industry recovery-Restoring a sustainable economic equilibrium puts forward policy and assistance proposals that governments can adopt to both accelerate the global industry restart and ensure a sustained long-term recovery.
ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira states: “As the airport sector, as an integral part of the global aviation ecosystem, has been among the industries most affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic and is confronted by a crisis of liquidity and existential uncertainty, financial support is urgently needed to support industry restart and protect essential operations,” adding that Airports generate 60% of direct employment in the aviation sector.
Governments are also urged to support the financial viability of the industry through direct financial support that benefits the entire aviation ecosystem-airports, airlines and their commercial partners-to protect essential operations and jobs.
Additionally, and in accordance with World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Health Regulations, ACI believes costs related to public health measures aimed at mitigating the spread of communicable diseases should be borne by national governments, ACI emphasizes.