Page 64 - World Airnews Magazine April 2021

NEWS DIGITAL

SIGNS OF RECOVERY EMERGE

and sensible policy decisions from governments to ensure that
aviation can fuel the global economic recovery.
The Airports Council International World has published “We hope an upsurge in confidence in air travel provided by
analysis that, despite some positive signs for recovery emerging, vaccination and safety measures should result in the number of
the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on airport revenues will still be people traveling outside of their countries will start this spring
deeply felt in 2021. and significantly increase by mid-year.
The analysis - published in an advisory bulletin ‘The impact of “Aviation recovery will not take-off, however, without a
COVID-19 on the airport business and path to recovery’ - shows coordinated and globally-consistent approach to vaccination
that 4.7 billion fewer passengers are forecast to travel by year end and testing, coupled with a safe and inter-operable methods of
2021 compared to the projected baseline, representing a decline sharing testing and vaccination information.”
of -47.5% of global passenger traffic. As regards economic impact, as a consequence of
This reduction in travellers is estimated to equate to a loss in uncoordinated travel restrictions combined with small domestic
revenue of more than (US) $94 billion by the end of 2021, cutting markets, Europe is forecast to remain the most affected region
in half expectations compared to the projected baseline. in absolute terms with an estimated change in revenues of more
As prospects for a recovery in 2021 begin to emerge, ACI World than -(US) $37.5 billion for the full year 2021 compared to 2019.
estimates that different regions of the world will recover at In relative terms, the Middle East and Europe are forecast
different rates. to suffer the biggest hits with decreases of -58.9% and -58.1%
At country level, markets having significant domestic traffic are respectively. Asia-Pacific is the region with comparatively the
expected to recover in 2023 to pre-COVID-19 levels while markets least impact, it is still expected to experience a very significant
with a significant share of international traffic are unlikely to decrease of -40.3% against the projected baseline.
return to 2019 levels until 2024 or even 2025 in some cases. To support recovery, ACI World recently published the second
ACI World has said an inter-operable health data trust edition of its Aviation Operations during COVID-19 - Business
framework to facilitate safe border reopening and cross-border Restart and Recovery which provides updated best practice
travel must be established to support this recovery. ACI is examples and guidance for both initial restart and longer-term
supportive of any system which will allow testing and vaccination recovery.
data to be shared consistently, effectively, and in a way that This followed the release of updated policy recommendations
protects the personal data of those that use it. to States, the Take-Off Guidance Document, and the Manual on
“The world is embarking on the biggest vaccination campaign Cross Border Testing and Risk Management published by the
in history, and we see positive indications in countries with high International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council Aviation
rates of vaccination and ACI World has discerned an escalation of Recovery Task Force.
these encouraging signs and prospects for recovery with a surge “The priority for airports has always been to protect the health
in travel in the second half of 2021 expected,” ACI World director and welfare of travellers, staff, and the public and ICAO’s role
general Luis Felipe de Oliveira said. in providing globally-consistent guidance will help to lay the
“Despite this, COVID-19 remains an existential crisis for airports, foundation for the industry’s long term and sustained recovery,”
airlines and their commercial partners and we need support Luis Felipe de Oliveira said. Q

NEWS DIGITAL

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL

FOR TRAINING

and we are committed to seeking more training fleet aircraft, totaling 20 aircraft,
eco-friendly solutions for rotorcraft,” began to use sustainable aviation fuel
Bell Textron has that it will begin said Michael Thacker, executive vice from March 25. SAF provides a cleaner
incorporating sustainable aviation fuel president, technology and commercial source of fuel to power rotorcraft and
decreases environmental impact of
business.
(SAF) into all Bell training academy and “As the industry moves toward general aviation.
customer demonstration fleet aircraft. a greener future, Bell’s decision to Aside from SAF integration, Bell is
Bell will be the first rotorcraft customer introduce SAF in our training and exploring other ways to diminish fuel
to receive SAF supply from global aviation demonstration aircraft is a reflection of consumption by testing electrically
fuel supplier, Avfuel corporation. our dedication to this shared goal and powered technology in new vehicles like
“Bell is an active supporter of the to providing clean alternatives for the the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport and
General Aviation Manufacturers environment.” the Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque
Association’s sustainable fuel initiative, All Bell operated demonstration and demonstrator. Q (see ALSO page 11)

World Airnews | April Extra 2021
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