By Amaka Obi Abuja,
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has described the condition of African airlines as troubling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a media roundtable, Mugammad Ali, IATA’s Vice President, Africa and Middle East, said the continent’s carriers are currently fighting for survival.
He also mentioned that, Air Mauritius has entered voluntary administration, South African Airways and SA Express are in business rescue and other carriers that are suffering have placed staff on unpaid leave or showed their intention to cut jobs.
Etihad Airways, Qatar, and Emirates in the Middle East have all confirmed that they have been forced to make redundancies because of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
The IATA chief puts airlines revenue loss at $6 billion, job losses in aviation and related industries at $3.1 million, loss in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) supported by aviation at $28 billion.
He mentioned that the prime concern should be the securing of relief for the aviation industry through government engagement across the region, direct financial support which also could include waiver or deferral of government imposed taxes and fees, and support from the corporate bond market.