Brian Pearce, Chief Economist with IATA, has explained the current situation that the global air transport industry finds itself in.
"First, let me reassure you that the global air transport industry is responsibly responding to this global pandemic. We are not public health experts, but airlines are following the best advice of experts—including the WHO—in adapting their operations to the challenges of the coronavirus. And we are—and will continue—helping in the response."
Call for measures
"The measures that governments have introduced to restrict travel are shrinking the size of passenger operations. That is also removing significant cargo capacity from the system—capacity that is vitally needed to help keep supply chains going, including the delivery of critical medicines and medical equipment.
"That is what was behind our calls yesterday for governments to do all that they can to ensure efficient cargo operations. That includes exempting crew—who do not interact with the public—from quarantine, granting temporary traffic rights where needed, keep air cargo excluded from travel restrictions….and other practical measures to keep cargo moving at this critical time", he says.
Kuehne + Nagel update
As the COVID-19 situation in China begins to stabilise, the effects of the virus on public health and the economy are increasingly being felt by other countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
"As a global company that is active in numerous communities around the world, our thoughts are with our colleagues, customers and suppliers who are working tirelessly to overcome the unique challenges brought on by this exceptional situation", the company shares in a statement.
"We are monitoring every new development and adapting our response on a daily basis. Our focus is on protecting the health and safety of our employees and ensuring our customers’ operations continue as smoothly as possible during this difficult period. We continuously provide our colleagues in sales and operations with in-depth information so that they can support our customers with the most up-to-date and relevant advice."
'No significant impact yet'
The travel restriction between 26 countries in Europe and the US, that became effective on March 13, has, for the time being, no significant impact on transatlantic cargo movements as it does not apply to cargo, Kuehne + Nagel reports. However, since the trade lane between Europe and North America is largely dominated by passenger aircraft there might be a severe drop in the available capacity.
Qatar closes borders, cargo operations unaffected
Further to the instructions of the Qatar Government, effective immediately, entry to the State of Qatar is allowed for Qatari nationals only, who will be required to enter quarantine for a period of 14 days. The instruction does not apply to transit passengers, Qatar Airways Cargo and its cargo operations remain unaffected.
In addition, due to the operational challenges caused by Covid-19 (coronavirus), the company cancelled belly-hold flights to certain countries. As the situation changes daily, further adjustments may be made to flight operations.