IATA stresses need to lift restrictions and expedite operations to keep cargo flowing

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said (24-Mar-2020) cargo is the "one part of the business that is operating: during the coronavirus crisis, with the segment "doing everything it can to meet demand". Mr de Junaic stressed this is a "big challenge because of the severe reduction in the cargo capacity that was carried on passenger flights" and air cargo is essential to keeping global supply chains running. He noted airlines are reintroducing freighters and doing their best to even adapt passenger aircraft into their cargo operations. As cargo operations are "vital and time sensitive" Mr de Juniac called on governments to "do all that is in their power so that we can get the cargo where it needs to be, fast" by:

• Exempting crew from quarantine restrictions;
• Expediting paperwork to mount special operations;
• And doing everything possible to reduce or eliminate costs and charges. [more - original PR]