ITF, IATA seek government support to protect jobs and preserve aviation industry

In view of ecomic crisis due to Coronavirus Pandemic,  International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) are seeking support from government for aviation industry to protect jobs and ensure that services are maintained. Reportedly, air passenger demand currently is down 80 per cent. Along with it, airlines are also facing a liquidity crisis threatening viability of 25 million jobs. 

In a joint statement, ITF and IATA have requested government to prioritize  protection of health workers at time of COVID-19 crisis. Furr, y requested government to provide immediate financial and regulatory support for airlines to maintain sustainability of terms and conditions for air transport workers. 

Along with it, in its joint statement, two organizations have ted  aviation industry's contribution to curbing Coronavirus crisis by keeping supply chains open and repatriating citizens. Along with it, reportedly, aviation professionals are also volunteering on frontline to assist medical services. 

IATA's statement 

According to IATA's Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac, airlines are facing most critical period in history of commercial aviation. He added that direct financial support is essential to maintain jobs and ensure airlines can remain viable businesses. "And when world is ready to start travelling again, global ecomy will need aviation at its best to help restore connectivity, tourism and global supply chains. That will require a harmonized approach with industry, workers, and governments working toger," he said in a statement. 

Read: Odisha to provide Rs 50 lakh assistance to health staff who lose lives fighting COVID-19

ITF's statement 

According to ITF's General Secretary Stephen Cotton, governments should understand importance of aviation industry in rebuilding global ecomy and support industry. "Bold decisions are required to invest in future of airlines and protect jobs and livelihoods of transport workers who will lead ecomic recovery when COVID-19 has been contained," he said. "Workers and industry have joined forces, we invite more governments to join us in a coordinated approach to keep industry and its essential supply chains moving," he said in a statement. 

Read: 'Open flight bookings only when decision to resume ops has been taken': Aviation minister

India under lockdown

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14 anunced extension of nationwide lockdown till May 3 in order to contain spread of deadly coronavirus. He addressed nation as ongoing pan-India lockdown entered its 21st day. All transport services have been stopped, including Indian railways' passenger service goods trains are operational to ensure a steady supply of goods and services across country. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. 

Read: Hardeep Singh Puri lauds civil aviation sector; 227 flights carry 4047 tonnes of supplies

Read: 'States, UTs cant dilute lockdown instructions of Union government': MHA

(With ANI Inputs)