Page 58 - World Airnews Magazine May 2020 Edition

NEWS DIGITAL

AFRAA DEVELOPS A COVID-19

RECOVERY PLAN

critical given the sector’s significant role in A recovery plan that outlines a frame-
economic and social development. work of actions to be taken by AFRAA and
AFRAA, in support to its members A number of subject matter experts other stakeholders was one of the key
during these exceptional circumstances made presentations on how African airlines outcomes of the session.
of COVID-19 pandemic, held a webinar can create and implement their recovery Since the onset of the crisis, AFRAA
as part of urgent, immediate and plans on areas such as: fleet and network has taken various initiatives to date
consistent actions for the survival of and is working closely with key air
the industry. transport institutions and partners to
Held under the theme, “Navigating find workable solutions to ensure the
COVID-19 pandemic and preparing sector’s resilience to the pandemic and
for recovery post-crisis” provided for post recovery efforts.
a platform for AFRAA to document In collaboration with the United
valuable inputs from airlines that Nations Commission for Africa
form part of the recovery plan for (UNECA), AFRAA is currently conduct-
the rebound of the Airline industry. ing a survey to quantify the impact
AFRAA secretary general of COVID-19 on African Airlines. The
Abderahmane Berthe said, results will be part of the inputs for
“The world is experiencing the AFRAA’s lobbying efforts for financial
adverse impact of the Coronavirus support from governments to airlines.
(COVID-19) pandemic and the Airlines and stakeholders at the
aviation industry is amongst the webinar stressed the need for a
worst impacted. The African co-ordinated effort and a collaborative
Airlines Association is in solidarity approach to ensure the sustainability
with the rest of the world in collab- of the airline industry.
orative efforts to support the airline The webinar concluded with a
industry during these difficult times.” repositioning, finance and cash flow issues, recovery plan that outlined a framework of
He said for African economies to fuel trends and fuel efficiency measures action to be taken by AFRAA in collabora-
recover, a vibrant aviation industry will be among others. tion with various stakeholders. Q

CHALLENGE
JOIN AEROBILITY’S SPIRIT OF

AVIATION CHALLENGE

and schematics for different types of paper planes is provided and
ongoing daily content for continued learning and entertainment
Aerobility announced its Spirit of Aviation challenge to through Aerobility’s social media channels.
support disabled people who might find self-isolation during the By uploading videos of the planes during construction, testing
Covid-19 crisis tougher than most of us. and flight phases, friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues
Open to anyone, the challenge is to build; launch and film a plane can follow their progress and get involved with the challenge while
at home before uploading it to Aerobility’s open Face book Group, still practicing social distancing.
‘Spirit of Aviation’, using #FLYAEROBILITY. They can also contribute to the charity by sponsoring the plane
For some, this may be a paper plane, while for others it may get they're following at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/
more technical, however the aircraft must be made from everyday flyaerobility.
materials found at home and all planes will be judged equally by If you’re unable to build an aircraft you can still support this very
Aerobility’s panel of experts for their ability in the air as well as worthy aviation charity by donating on the same Just Giving page.
their style and design. Mike Miller-Smith, Chief Executive Aerobility said, “Aerobility
The winner will get the chance to fly in a light aircraft with brings the magic of flying to anyone with any disability and we’re
squadron leader Martin Pert, team leader of the Red Arrows while working hard to continue these services during the Covid-19
the winning plane will be showcased at Aerobility’s headquarters pandemic.
in Blackbushe, Hampshire. “But we do need the public’s help to support our disabled flyers
This is an ideal opportunity for the aviation industry to get during this period of extended isolation. So please give whatever
behind the UK’s leading disabled flying charity, to help them get you can by donating via JustGiving. Your friends and family can
through these difficult times and to remain able to support the show their support for your aircraft by donating and leaving a
UK’s disabled flying community. message too.”
Companies can invite their staff to get involved and can support For more information about how to get involved and to
the charity directly with much needed donations. download a pack click here: https://www.aerobility.com/thespiri-
An information pack which includes the basics of aerodynamics tofaviation. Entries are open until June 30th. Q

World Airnews | May Extra 2020
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