The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has
released new analysis showing that approximately 25 million jobs are at risk of
disappearing with plummeting demand for air travel amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Globally, the livelihoods of 65.5 million people are
dependent on the aviation industry, including sectors such as travel and
tourism. Among these are 2.7 million airlines jobs. In a scenario of severe
travel restrictions lasting for three months, IATA research calculates that 25
million jobs in aviation and related sectors are endangered across the world; 11.2
million jobs in Asia-Pacific, 5.6 million jobs in Europe, 2.9 million jobs in
Latin America, 2.0 million jobs in North America, 2.0 million jobs in Africa
and lastly 0.9 million jobs in the Middle East.
In the same scenario, airlines are expected to see full year
passenger revenues fall by $252 billion (-44%) in 2020 compared to 2019. The
second quarter is the most critical with demand falling 70% at its worst point,
and airlines burning through $61 billion in cash.
Airlines are calling on governments to provide immediate
financial aid to help airlines to remain viable businesses able to lead the
recovery when the pandemic is contained.
"There are no words to adequately describe the devastating
impact of COVID-19 on the airline industry. And the economic pain will be
shared by 25 million people who work in jobs dependent upon airlines. Airlines
must be viable businesses so that they can lead the recovery when the pandemic
is contained. A lifeline to the airlines now is critical," said Alexandre de
Juniac, IATAs Director General and CEO.
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