The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is campaigning to get the air cargo industry’s voice fully heard by regulators and governments following the coronavirus outbreak.

The association says the sector has a decisive role to play in the fight against coronavirus. TIACA has now joined the ICAO Technical group on joint actions related to covid-19. Other members of the group include WHO, IATA, ACI and GEA.

TIACA’ goal is to draw attention both to the fundamental role that the air cargo industry plays and to the need to protect its continued existence and vitality. Air freight is essential for the transport of food, basic necessities and health-related products in the current major crisis, and the global economy also needs air freight to continue to supply businesses and factories, the association says.

Taking strong steps

Multiple financial issues are emerging for the industry in the current crisis situation. TIACA says these include leasing payments for expensive aircraft; salaries, energy supplies, and payments to service providers and equipment providers; taxation and difficulties arising from uncoordinated travel bans and restrictions imposed on crew movements, airport slots and route changes.

TIACA notes that several strong steps have already been taken; however, further actions are necessary. The association is continuing to highlight the real issues facing its members and calls on them to keep it informed of the difficulties they encounter.

TIACA secretary general Vladimir Zubkov noted: “TIACA sees its role in the ICAO Technical Group as using ICAO’s mechanism to reach out to governments and remind them that air cargo is a significant contributor to the global economy and international trade, and that it plays a very important role in preventing and battling the disastrous effect of coronavirus.”

The association is calling for governments to exempt the movement of cargo from any bans.

“We support IATA’s appeal to have air cargo recognised as vital in the fight against COVID-19 and for action to be taken – in particular, removing all travel restrictions on air cargo operations and taking all necessary measures to allow air cargo to continue to circulate around the world,” said TIACA chairman Steven Polmans.