End of Global Health Emergency Brings Hope for Aviation
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End of Global Health Emergency Brings Hope for Aviation

Photo by:   Isaac Quesada, Unsplash
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Sofía Hanna By Sofía Hanna | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Tue, 05/09/2023 - 15:44

Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that COVID-19 no longer represents a “global health emergency,” a decision that was welcomed by the aviation industry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) praised the decision, calling it a significant step toward ending the pandemic but warned that it is crucial for governments to heed the lessons from COVID-19. 

“From a travel perspective, we know that the lack of scientific basis, consistency or clear communication of the restrictions brought in by governments meant that many of them had little impact on the spread of the virus but exacerbated the misery caused to millions of people who could no longer visit their families or pursue their business,” says Conrad Clifford, Deputy Director-General, IATA. Additionally, millions of jobs in the aviation industry were at risk and global air connectivity was set back years. Therefore, the organization emphasis called for better preparedness and effective collaboration. 


WHO’s decision was taken after careful consideration and data analysis, says Tedros Adhanom, Director General, WHO. However, he warned that removing the highest alert level does not mean the danger is over, adding the emergency status could be reinstated if the situation changed. “The worst thing any country can do now is to use this news as a reason to let down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that COVID-19 is nothing to worry about,” says Adhanom.

The aerospace and aeronautics sector has made great strides in its recovery. In March 2023, total traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) rose 52.4% compared to March 2022. Globally, traffic is now 88% of March 2019 and domestic traffic rose 34.1% compared to March 2022. International traffic climbed 68.9% versus March 2022, with all markets recording healthy growth, led again by Asia-Pacific carriers. International RPKs reached 81.6% of March 2019 levels, according to IATA

COVID-19 is not the biggest concern for the industry now, says Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA. The industry is suffering from a lack of capacity, labor shortages in many parts of the aviation value chain and supply chain issues affecting the aircraft manufacturing sector, resulting in aircraft delivery delays, he adds. 

To avoid an industry collapse in future health emergencies, authorities should take consistent actions that are shown to be the least harmful to the industry, says IATA.

Photo by:   Isaac Quesada, Unsplash

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