Airports Council International (ACI) World director general Angela Gittens has outlined the organization’s position on the global policy response for the airport industry and the aviation ecosystem.
ACI World supports the calls made by ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI Europe, ACI North America, and ACI Latin America Caribbean for urgent support measures for airports.
“There is a general sense across the aviation community that we are all in this together as this crisis continues to unfold,” Gittens said. “As the economic policy response is formulated, however, it is important to note that no measure or relief package should disproportionately benefit one sector at the expense of another.
“We should seek to ensure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation ecosystem is borne equitably and that all solutions are fair and reasonable so as to give the industry the greatest chance to recover quickly.”
As governments continue to make decisions on economic stimulus, ACI World recommends the following policy measures in order to alleviate the shortfall for airports: protection of airport revenues; alleviation of airport slots usage requirements; waiving of concession fee payments to governments: tax relief for the aviation sector; and government assistance to help offset losses.
“These policy responses aim to ensure the continuity and sustainability of airport operations in these exceptional circumstances,” Gittens said. “The aviation industry and governments should approach the prospects for recovery strategically, pragmatically, and in partnership.”
