Asia has been condemned as a “laggard” for failing to match the rest of the world in lifting Covid-19 travel restrictions.
The accusation was made by an Iata chief attending a meeting of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines in Bangkok.
Iata senior vice president and deputy director general Conrad Clifford, former chief executive of Monarch Group and Emirates UK and Ireland boss, urged the Asia-Pacific region to prepare for an anticipated surge in traffic and provide policy support for the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
He said: “The last three years have been extremely challenging for the airline industry. Asian airlines, in particular, were hit hard, accounting for about a third of the industry’s losses between 2020 and this year.
“With the region finally emerging from Covid-19, governments have a key role to play in accelerating the recovery, and supporting the industry’s sustainable growth.
But Clifford added: “Asia has been a laggard. The rest of the world started lifting restrictions and reopening borders last year. However, it was only around April this year that positive momentum was seen in Asia.
“That is why international passenger demand in September was only at 41.5% of 2019 levels, the lowest among regions.”
North American carriers led the way at 89% of 2019 levels, while the other regions were in the 73%-83% range.
“Asia-Pacific governments can accelerate the recovery. There is no reason why we cannot travel as we did before the pandemic,” Clifford said. “The region also needs to prepare for the surge in traffic.
“The delays and congestion experienced in Europe and North America should be a stark reminder for airports and government agencies in Asia-Pacific.
“Now is the time to get the capacity in place, both in terms of infrastructure and the manpower.”
He admitted that the region’s recovery will be held back as long as China remains closed to international travel.
“We must learn to live, travel and work with Covid-19. We hope the Chinese government will have the confidence to re-open its borders soon and connect with the world.”
Clifford also highlighted the need to address air traffic congestion on routes between Asia and Europe, which has been increasing due to airlines reinstating their networks, coupled with diversions to avoid the airspace over Afghanistan, Russia and Ukraine.
“Over the Bay of Bengal, air navigation service providers in India and Malaysia have been working towards trials to reduce separation standards safely between aircraft to increase the airspace capacity.
“This is positive. We need the neighbouring states to co-operate with each other, work with airlines, to implement procedures that make full use of the capabilities of modern aircraft,” said Clifford.
He also urged governments in the region to support the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to stimulate production as part of industry efforts to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.