On Monday, the world marked the 24th International Civil Aviation Day, in what was perhaps the most challenging year yet for the global airline industry. As COVID-19 almost universally brought air travel to a halt, the civil aviation industry has been among the worst-hit by the pandemic. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated that airlines had a net loss of $118.5 billion in 2020.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres hailed the sector’s role in “lifting the world to recovery” in his message on the occasion.
“This year’s observance of International Civil Aviation Day falls as COVID-19 has severed international connections by air, cutting off businesses from clients, keeping tourists from destinations, and disproportionately affecting the vulnerable. It has also disrupted the operations and finances of airlines and airports worldwide, threatening their capability to assure the global supply of medicines, vaccines, humanitarian aid and other vital goods,” Guterres said.
Guterres also noted that the moment also poses an opportunity for the industry, one of the worst-polluters on the planet, to reform and adopt carbon-neutral policies.
“Countries must act urgently to sustain their air transport sectors in the face of these challenges. Yet, they must do so with climate in mind. Emissions from aviation account for more than 2 per cent of the global total, ranking it in the top ten emitters. Recovery from the pandemic is simultaneously an opportunity for climate action, including to make global aviation more resilient and sustainable as a key part of efforts to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” he said.
“I welcome recent commitments to net-zero emissions made by members of the aviation community. I urge the entire sector to commit to net zero by 2050 and develop a strategy in alignment with the Paris Agreement well ahead of next year’s climate conference. Cooperation between governments and industry will be essential to achieve a timely transition,” he added.
“Aviation is an important engine of our world, and will play a critical role in lifting the world to recovery from COVID-19. Let us ensure it receives the support it needs to keep the world’s nations connected and united,” he said.
Incidentally, Guterres’ address came amid a significant indicator of revival for the industry: Asian jet fuel cash differentials reached positive figures for the first time in nine months. With jet fuel trading at a discount until Friday, Monday’s figures, a premium of 5 cents a barrel, had not been seen since February.
According to the IATA, 2.8 billion passengers are expected to travel in 2021—1 billion more than it estimated will do so in 2020 overall.
