IATA calls for joint efforts by governments to allow speedy transport of goods over the air.

For the IATA (International Air Transport Association) air cargo transportation has been a vital partner for the supply of medicines necessary to fight various outbreaks and asks for support from governments

The association issued a note highlighting that its members continue to provide full support for the transportation of cargo in order to contain the progress of COVID-19. Since the beginning of the crisis, air cargo transportation has become a vital ally for the supply of medicines, medical equipment (including spare parts and repair components), as well as for maintaining the global distribution of time-sensitive supplies.

According to the organization, all of this was possible thanks to the use of cargo capacity in passenger aircraft and rescue flights to the main affected areas.

In addition to medicines, the airline industry is also essential for transporting food and other products sold online. Electronic commerce should have a large participation in the measures to support the quarantine and social distance policies implemented by the States.

Due to severe travel restrictions and the collapse of passenger demand, cargo capacity has been severely affected, with this, IATA urges governments to take urgent measures so that it can be possible to proceed and ensure the transport of air cargo as support for the global fight against coronavirus.

“More than 185,000 passenger flights have been canceled since the end of January due to travel restrictions in several countries. As a result, the vital cargo capacity has decreased just when the fight against COVID-19 is necessary ”, warned Alexander de Juniac, general director and CEO of IATA. “The world fleet of cargo aircraft was mobilized to compensate for the deficit caused. Governments need to take urgent action so that we can ensure that vital supply lines remain in full operation effectively. ”

For IATA, governments need to see air cargo carriers as a vital part of the fight against the coronavirus. Among the measures that the organization asks for action to be taken, the following stand out:

Exclude any restrictions related to COVID-19 to air cargo operators, allowing to ensure that medical products can be transported uninterruptedly;

Exempt cargo crew members who do not interact with the public from being subjected to a 14-day quarantine;

Ensure standardized measures are in place and ensure that air cargo can be transported around the world with minimal interruptions;

Remove overflight and parking charges and fees, in addition to slot restrictions, to make operations easier during this unprecedented pandemic time.

Source: www.brazilmodal.com.br