IATA: Social distancing measures on aircraft would fundamentally shift the economics of aviation

IATA stated (05-May-2020) that calls for social distancing measures on aircraft would "fundamentally shift the economics of aviation" by lowering the maximum load factor to 62%. That is well below the average industry breakeven load factor of 77%. This would produce a sharp rise in unit costs, which would require a 33% to 58% increase in airfares to break even, compared to a 2019 baseline. Key regional forecasts are:

• Africa & Middle East:
  • Break even load factor: 75%;
  • Average fare: USD181;
  • Average fare with social distancing: USD259;
  • Increase: +43%;
• Asia Pacific:
  • Break even load factor: 81%;
  • Average fare: USD141;
  • Average fare with social distancing: USD217;
  • Increase: +54%;
• Europe:
  • Break even load factor: 79%;
  • Average fare: USD135;
  • Average fare with social distancing: USD201;
  • Increase: +49%;
• Latin America:
  • Break even load factor: 79%;
  • Average fare: USD146;
  • Average fare with social distancing: USD219;
  • Increase: +50%;
• North America:
  • Break even load factor: 75%;
  • Average fare: USD202;
  • Average fare with social distancing: USD289;
  • Increase: +43%;
• North Asia:
  • Break even load factor: 76%;
  • Average fare: USD135:
  • Average fare with social distancing: USD195;
  • Increase: +45%. [more - original PR]