Page 7 - World Airnews Magazine August 2020

NEWS

UNITED CALL FOR A RESTART

OF AFRICAN AIR SERVICES

half of the ICAO regional offices accredited The ICAO Guidance proposes a layered

to African States. and phased approach to restarting aviation

united call for African govern- “This is a global way forward for aviation. and identifies a set of generally applicable

Aments to urgently implement Implementation should give governments risk-based measures.
ICAO’s guidelines for the restoration of air the confidence to open borders without In line with recommendations and guid-

connectivity to ensure the safe and har- quarantine, and passengers the confidence ance from public health authorities, these

monised restart of aviation in the region to fly. But guidelines mean nothing if they will mitigate the risk of transmission of the

has gone out. are not implemented,” said Muhammad COVID-19 virus during the travel process.

The International Air Transport Associ- Albakri, IATA regional vice president for ICAO, IATA and ACI Africa also pledged
ation (IATA), Airports Council Internation- Africa and the Middle East. their commitment to support industry

al- Africa (ACI Africa) and the International “We urge African States to urgently adopt stakeholders in the region to help imple-

Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional these guidelines so that we can ensure the ment and compliance with the recom-

Offices for African States have come to- implementation of consistent, harmonised mended ICAO Take-off guidance.

gether to issue this joint appeal. and effective measures across the region, This includes the development of more

The ICAO guidelines are contained in the a prerequisite for passengers to return detailed operational procedures in four

organisation’s strategy entitled ‘Take- to air travel in all confidence, and for the specific areas – airport, aircraft, crew and

off: Guidance for Air Travel through the swift restoration of air connectivity for the cargo - based on the Take-off guidance.

COVID-19 Public Health Crisis’ and has been sustainable recovery of the travel, business “Restarting international connectivity

approved by the ICAO Council. and tourism sectors on the continent,” said safely while ensuring that aviation is not
Ali Tounsi secretary general, ACI Africa.
The same guidelines have also been a meaningful source for the spread of

adopted into the African Union’s restart COVID-19 has crippled the air transport COVID-19 is not an option but a must.

and recovery strategies during and after industry in Africa. Demand is forecast to “Aviation is facing the biggest challenge

fall by 58.5% in 2020 year-on-year – the

COVID-19 for the African aviation sector. of its history; we need all hands-on deck to
“Developed based on the latest medical largest drop of all the regions. get the industry up and running again and

evidence and consistent with health best Airlines in the region are expected to we are committed to making the journey as

practices the ICAO Take-off guidance pro- post a net loss of (US) $2 billion this year as seamless and risk-free as possible. We will
vides governments with a framework for passenger revenues decline by over (US) $6 collaborate with and support states to im-

restarting aviation while protecting public billion compared to the previous year. plement these guidelines in the fastest and

health. Governments in Africa are encour- Concurrently, African airports are expect- most efficient way and encourage govern-
aged to implement the guidance urgently ed to lose 51% of their revenues in 2020, ments and other industry stakeholders to
and in a harmonised and mutually rec- i.e., around (US) $2.2 billion. Job losses in reach out to us for support,” said Albakri.

ognised way to allow aviation to safely start aviation and related industries in the region IATA, ACI Africa, ICAO, the African Union,

contributing to Africa’s economic recovery could reach 3.1 million and GDP supported African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC),

post COVID-19. Air connectivity is critical by aviation could fall by (US) $28 billion. Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA) Airlines

to economic and sustainable development Before the COVID-19 crisis, aviation Association of Southern Africa (AASA) and

in and across the continent,” said Barry supported 6.2 million jobs in the region and CANSO are working closely to support the
Kashambo, regional director, ESAF on be- generated (US) $55.8 billion in GDP. safe restart of the industry in Africa. Q
World Airnews | August 2020
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