World air transport leaders issue historic declaration

Leading airlines unanimously agreed to appeal to governments, airports and employees to take immediate measures to enable the industry to survive the growing financial crisis. The resolution was taken within the context of the 64th Annual General Meeting and the World Air Transport Summit of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

“Extraordinary circumstances demand extraordinary measures. Airlines are a driving force behind prosperity on a world scale and reduced levels of activity result in shockwaves that echo throughout the world economy”, stated IATA President and TAP Portugal CEO Fernando Pinto.

This resolution is the result of the recent peak in fuel prices that has already caused more than two dozen airlines to cease operations or file for bankruptcy. “Many more will not survive”, said Fernando Pinto.

The declaration appeals for six specific measures:

• Governments must eliminate archaic rules that prevent companies from cross-border restructuring.
• Considering existing multiple taxes and fees, governments must refrain from imposing additional punitive fees and other measures that will simply worsen the crisis.
• Public service providers must urgently invest in the modernization of air transport infrastructure eliminating wasted fuel consumption and emissions.
• Business partners, in particular monopoly service providers, must become as efficient as airline companies already are. If they don’t, regulators must forcibly restrict them with tougher regulations.
• Unions must abstain from unrealistic complaints and unite in a common effort to guarantee aviation jobs and undoubtedly those in other industries.
• In the interests of the world economy and passengers we encourage authorities to ensure the transparency of their markets guaranteeing that energy costs reflect their true value.

“The air transport industry is sending a very clear message to governments, partners and employees. We are in a crisis. Governments, employees and our business partners must understand this. And they must act.” Said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO.