Aviation industry needs to adjust strategically to downturn - ICAO

ICAO Council President, Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, stated (06-Aug-09) that while the global economic situation continues to "exert enormous pressures" on the air transport industry, it is witnessing signs of stabilisation. However Mr Gonzalez stated that while "the turnaround is in the making, "the question is, what kind of recovery will it be and how do we get there". Mr Gonzalez also stated that while air transport has a history of bouncing back stronger from external challenges, traditional strategies this time "may not suffice" as the industry faces more complex and interrelated issues, such as the impact of shifting and emerging markets, the growing presence of LCCs, the anticipated shortfall of skilled aviation personnel, new and potential devastating security threats, airport and airspace congestion and the impact of aviation on climate change and among others. [more - Full Speech]