Airports Council International (ACI) World has called for measures to protect the livelihoods of millions of employees who work at airports around the world.
ACI data shows that airports employ – either directly or indirectly – more than 6.1 million people globally which makes up 60% of all employment in the aviation sector. According to the organization, the typical hub airport has as many as 40,000 employees either working for the airport operator or for other employers on the airport site.
“ACI World is calling on states to consider financial relief measures that will help to alleviate the significant drop in cash flows and to ensure operational and business continuity of airport activities, and to protect jobs,” said director general Angela Gittens.
Suggested measures include: the immediate provision of government assistance through grants and subsidies to support operating expenses and wages to airport staff; ensuring secured financing and loans at preferential rates and bank guarantees; the suspension of all national and local aviation specific taxes for 2020; and the waiving or postponement of airport rents and concession fees applicable to airport operators, irrespective of their ownership status.
According to the ACI, states must also consider maintaining a minimum level of employment to enable continued operations and to preserve a rapid return to full operations. This would mean supported wage guarantees with regards to those still employed and bridge-in programs for those temporarily laid off.
