Page 44 - World Airnews Magazine October Edition 2020

NEWS

A STRONG CO-ORDINATED

PLAN

proposals that governments can adopt to costs related to public health measures

accelerate a restart and ensure a sustained aimed at mitigating the spread of com-
he Airports Council International long-term recovery. municable diseases should be borne by

Thas laid out a road map for the The document urges governments to al- national governments.
recovery of the airport sector and wider leviate travel restrictions - as soon as rec- “As the airport sector has been among

aviation ecosystem from the devastating ommended by national and international the industry’s most affected by the global

impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic health authorities - and to conduct a prop- COVID-19 pandemic and is confronted by a

crisis of liquidity and existential uncertain-

as aviation is one of the most strategic er cost-benefit analysis to decide whether ty, financial support is urgently needed,”

sectors of national and global economies. to continue levying passenger-based taxes ACI world director general Luis Felipe de

It is essential for trade, business, tourism, or if higher national income could be Oliveira said.

and economic growth but ACI recently generated from the additional economic “Airports are major supporters of United

revealed that the airport industry is an- activity arising from aviation. Nations Sustainable Development Goals

ticipating that global passenger numbers Governments are also urged to sup- 8, 9 and 10 concerning work and eco-

will decrease by -5.6 billion this year, along port the financial viability of the industry nomic growth, industry, innovation and

with an unprecedented (US) $104.5 billion through direct financial support that bene- infrastructure and reduced inequalities.

reduction in revenue. fits the entire aviation ecosystem - airports, Airports and aviation support other goals,

A recovery of aviation will fuel a global airlines and their commercial partners - to such as reducing poverty, facilitating

economic recovery and the policy brief en- protect essential operations and jobs. access to quality education, promoting

titled: Path to the airport industry recovery Additionally and in accordance with gender equality, building sustainable cities

- Restoring a sustainable economic equi- World Health Organization’s (WHO) Inter- and communities and partnering for the

librium puts forward policy and assistance national Health Regulations, ACI believes goals with other industries”. Q
HISTORICAL
WORLD WAR II AIR FORCE
VETERAN FLIES HIGH AT 100
By Siphokazi Vuso

Subsequently he was sent to North nearly 75 years and in all that time we
Africa in September 1941, where he was have never heard a harsh or unkind

orld War II recce pilot posted to No 40 squadron. word. They are still in love, and still
WMichael Welchman was His eldest grandson, Kieron Alston, devoted to each other. We cannot
treated to a birthday cake and pres- said despite being frail and hard of hear- thank them enough for an upbringing

ents fit for a centenarian alongside ing, when his grandfather saw a book that was always caring and peaceful,”
his wife Betty when the South African about ex-flying colleague Bob Rogers he she said.

Air Force Association (SAAFA) Whale got excited and said “Oh, that’s just what SAAFA Whale Coast branch chairper-

Coast branch hosted a brief celebration I want!” son Marthie Visser said Welchman’s
birthday coincided with the South
outside the care centre where he lives Welchman’s eldest daughter Jenty African Air Force’s centenary celebration

in Kidbrooke, Onrus. Young Welchman, who lives in the UK, of air power/military aviation as well

Welchman, who was born and raised described her father as a wonderful as the 75th birthday celebration of the

in Johannesburg, joined the SAAF in storyteller who had enthusiasm for life association.

1940. He was a second-year medical and interest in people and the world “It is unfortunate that we will not be
student at Wits University when World around him. able to celebrate this very special day
War II broke out. “It’s also what made him an amaz- with Michael and Betty in traditional

He obtained his wings a year later, ing artist. His career might have been ‘party mode’ due to Covid-19. May every

flying Hurricanes and Tomahawks after medical, but he almost had a second minute of your 100th birthday be filled

qualifying as an SAAF pilot. career in retirement and his paintings with everlasting joy and pleasure. You

He was demobilised and sent back to are now in homes around the country are a very special air force veteran who
university but he persuaded the SAAF and the world. will always be thought of in the warmest
command to be re-enlisted. “My parents have been married for way,” Visser said. Q
World Airnews | October 2020
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