The International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) has issued an urgent call to authorities in Latin America and the Caribbean to take specific measures to help the airmanship sector outlast its spoilt crisis ever .

Border closures and travel restrictions have severely affect aviation for more than three month , and with COVID-19 still very much present in the area , a restart of the industry in many countries seems months off . This state of affairs is unsustainable and risks the flop of the intact sector .

" This is our last chance to survive this crisis . clip is against us and every day that give out by places more agony on an industry that is seek uncloudedness on timelines to restart operations . No sphere has the liquidity to stay afloat during a four- or five - month standstill . We recognize the efforts made by the government in fighting this pandemic and we empathize what countries are confront , but air transport is of the essence for our region and can not be reserve to disappear , " said Peter Cerdá , IATA Regional Vice President for the Americas .

Latin American and Caribbean governments remainthe least supportive of air , an diligence that prior to COVID-19 kick in US$ 167 billion to their GDP and supported 7.2 million jobs throughout the region . Forecasts now show a drop of at least US$ 77 billion in atmosphere transport ’s part to GDP , with more than 3.5 million jobs at risk .

" In countries like Panama , where air transport sustained about a quarter of a million jobs and its independent airport offered connection to nearly 90 international destinations before the pandemic , it is vex that the governing has so far failed to take any truehearted action to provide touchable support to the industry . The same is true in Peru , where fiscal substitute is urgently needed for an industry that is fundamental to its population and its economic system , and operations must be allow to summarise in July , " Cerdá read .

rider dealings on Latin American and Caribbean airway drop by a whopping 96 % in April .   Even though Brazil , Chile and Mexico saw special operations in April , they still usher traffic ( RPK ) reducing of more than 90 % .   Air connectivity and its associated socio - economic benefits across the region are at jeopardy . This has already at once impacted business — from mob - black market initiative to large corporations — along the entire travel and touristry value Sir Ernst Boris Chain , as well as manufacture swear on air cargo for their importee and exportation .

The expectation is that different country will finally allow the resumption of operation on unlike dates . It is therefore crucial that the major industry players and governments ferment together to facilitate the restart of air operations in a good , effective and harmonized way .

" Colombia has taken on a constructive purpose in the region since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis by facilitating irregular financial relief for the air industry and support biosafety protocols that seek to protect the health of passengers and employee . For this reason , it is extremely surprising that a pilot architectural plan for the recommencement of commercial aviation has now been organise , where effectuation depends on the determination of each municipality . We request that the national governance reconsider the reopening of domestic flights as soon as potential , accord to the marriage proposal ab initio portray by Aerocivil . The air sphere is quick to resume bodily function by undertake wellness and safety in its operations and can not look another calendar month or two to fly again , " Cerdá tell .

He also insisted that as countries lift travelling restrictions , measure such as quarantine are to be avoid . Such restrictions severely strangle economic activity by in effect blocking travel , which is essential for the counties of Latin America and the Caribbean that are heavy reliant on tourism . For this reason , the regime of Ecuador should get rid of its current quarantine rule , which even applies to passengers who have tested negatively for COVID-19 .

Overall , Latin American and Caribbean land are being call on toimplement the International Civil Aviation Organization ’s ( ICAO ) world guidelinesfor the good resumption of air travelling . IATA fully supports the recommendations contained in the ICAO Council ’s roadmap’Take - off : a guide for air change of location after the COVID-19 public health crisis ' . The document is the outcome of extensive advisory body of work in collaboration with governments , the World Health Organization and leading aviation industry establishment .

" Our industry is face its greatest challenge to date : to restart airmanship safely , protect the health of passengers and stave and insure that aviation does not become a significant transmitter for the spread of COVID-19 . Our industry has overcome difficult situations in the past times , like 9/11 or SARS . We call for to work together with governments to do so once again and regain public confidence , " Cerdá conclude .

For more information : IATAwww.iata.org