《IATA Issues 'Principles' to Restart Aviation and Biosecurity Guidelines for Passenger Confidence》

《COVID-19: IATA Issues 'Principles' to Restart Aviation and Biosecurity Guidelines for Passenger Confidence》

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the main trade group for the global aviation industry, has issued five "key principles" to help restart the aviation industry and expanded on its earlier "layered approach" to safety of the crew and passengers as the covid-19 pandemic continues to impact the aviation industry.

The director general of IATA, Alexandre de Juniac, said that the declaration of the five principles “is important because it demonstrates the industry’s unity of purpose and commitment to work with our stakeholders to safely re-connect our world. We hope that it will send a strong message to governments that they must also work together. COVID-19 is a global health crisis and a global economic crisis. Aviation is the crossroads of both”.

De Juniac, as he has in the recent past, called on governments and other organisations involved in aviation to cooperate on standards and measures to avoid the pitfalls that arise in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in the US, which he called a “mess” because “governments acted unilaterally. This created confusion for airlines and travellers alike. And it took many years to clean up”.

“We have a small window to avoid these mistakes with COVID-19 by agreeing global standards for a re-start,” de Juniac said. “In doing so, we must build in measures for continuous review so that we can streamline the system as science and technology evolve. There is reason to be optimistic. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is leading an initiative called CART. That is the COVID-19 Aviation Recovery Task Force. And it is working well and fast. Our proposals are in support of that process.

So, what are the five principles to reconnect the world by air transport?

1. Aviation will always put safety and security first

2. Aviation will respond flexibly as the crisis and science evolve

3. Aviation will be a key driver of the economic recovery

4. Aviation will meet its environment targets

5. Aviation will operate to global standards which are harmonised and mutually recognised by governments