Representing almost 60 airlines around the world, the three global airline alliances oneworld®, SkyTeam and Star Alliance are jointly calling on governments and stakeholders to take action to alleviate the unprecedented challenges faced by the global airline industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three global alliances, who contribute more than half of global airline capacity, are strongly supporting a request by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for regulators to suspend slot usage rules as the airline industry suffers from extraordinary reductions in passenger demand.
IATA is estimating up to US$113 billion in revenue losses for global passenger airlines, an impact that is expected to have a ripple effect through the value chain that supports the airline industry.
The three alliances urge governments worldwide to help alleviate the immense pressures faced by airlines in the current operating environment, and to evaluate all possible means to assist the airline industry during this unprecedented period.
Other stakeholders are also being to provide support, such as airport operators urged to evaluate landing charges and fees to mitigate the financial pressure.
oneworld CEO Rob Gurney said: “During such times of difficulty and uncertainty, it is important that the airline industry works even closer with stakeholders to mitigate adverse impacts from the virus and collaborate in areas within our control. Governments must implement the measures they consider necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19, and must be prepared for the widescale economic implications that will result from those measures.”
SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director Kristin Colvile added “The human and financial impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having on the aviation industry is unprecedented. SkyTeam, with its alliance partners, and on behalf of member airlines, is urging all involved institutions and industry stakeholders to face these extraordinary times with exceptional measures. This includes action such as slot relief, airport and overflight fees reduction.”
Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh said: “The unprecedented circumstances triggered by the coronavirus outbreak pose an existential threat not only to the airline industry but more generally to global trade and commerce, and social connectivity. As airlines stretch their limits to manage the crisis, it is equally critical for governments and stakeholders to avoid further burdens and step up with measures, as some have, that will ensure the future of the travel industry.”
