The coronavirus is causing a crisis that threatens to bring the entire global aviation industry to its knees. The alarm is raised by the Center for Aviation (Capa), but also by Star Alliance, Oneworld and Sky Team, the three alliances which incorporate the main giants of the sector.
According to Capa, by the end of May, scores of airlines will already be bankrupt due to the coronavirus emergency that has blocked the whole world. “Due to the impact of the coronavirus and global travel restrictions, many airlines are already probably technically bankrupt or in substantial violation of the debt covenants", denounces the consultancy body on the aviation sector which launches an appeal: "Coordinated action between governments and industry is needed immediately if a catastrophe is to be avoided”.
To provide the numbers of what could become a disaster in a few weeks is the Iata, the air transport association. Even before the various companies announced the cancellations and the Governments imposed stops and limitations, Aita had spoken of loss of revenue equal to 113 billion dollars, a figure that now seems destined to rise strongly.
Star Alliance, Oneworld and Sky Team, the three heavenly alliances representing the world's 60 major airlines join the chorus, demanding that slot rules be stopped before it's too late: "The slot rules must be suspended, as requested by Iata, for the entire 2020 summer timetable to allow companies to manage their own operations”. In order to maintain connections from one year to the next, the rule requires airlines to carry out 80% of their flights in the slots assigned to them in the various airports. If he doesn't, there is a real risk of losing the assignment. A condition that is causing considerable concern to the various companies, unable to fly due to the limitations imposed by governments for the coronavirus emergency and the ever-decreasing number of passengers willing to travel.
“During uncertain and challenging times like these, everyone needs to do their part. Governments that apply restrictive measures must also prepare for serious economic repercussions, explains Oneworld CEO Rob Gurney.
The number one of SkyTeam, Kristin Colvile, is on the same line: “This is an unprecedented crisis. Everyone needs to put in place support actions and tariff cuts. Such as, for example, those at airports and overflights". Finally for the CEO of Star Alliance Jeffrey Goh states: "These circumstances never faced before, require decisive interventions to support the companies and the global trading market".
