Add us as your preferred source on Google to see more of our content in Search.
Add to Preferred SourcesThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that delaying the restart of air connectivity through continued quarantine restrictions puts 95,300 jobs at risk in Israel, and called for financial assistance for the aviation industry.
The shutdown of air travel caused by the COVID-19 crisis means that passenger numbers to/from Israel will decline by 13 million (55%) this year and airline revenues will fall by US$3.2 billion. The wider impact on Israel’s economy is estimated to be around US$8.3 billion.
With such a heavy impact on airline finances, the economy and employment, it is essential that the government consider a package of measures for supporting airlines in Israel.
“Airlines in Israel are suffering an unprecedented collapse in revenues, and in order to preserve air connectivity, it’s vital that Israel follow the lead of many other governments and provide financial assistance to the industry. Our latest passenger survey shows that 83% will not travel if quarantine is in place. Therefore, if the Israeli government is looking to restart the economy, it needs an alternative risk-based solution. The answer is a strategy that combines coordinated, internationally-consistent health measures for air travel with effective national plans for managing COVID-19. With this strategy in place, people can be confident that air travel can once again contribute to employment, prosperity and quality of life,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe.
While financial aid is important to the aviation industry, for the wider economy it is vital that air connectivity can restart. In total, aviation supports 185,000 jobs and 5% of Israel’s GDP. The continued shutdown of the industry puts about half this total contribution at risk. Therefore, it is essential the Israeli government sets out a plan for eliminating the quarantine measures and re-integrating the nation into global travel and trade.
Original source: IATA
Published on 21 June 2020