The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has declared a commitment by the airline CEOs on its Board of Governors to five principles for re-connecting the world by air transport.

Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO, IATA said, “Re-starting air transport is important. Even as the pandemic continues, the foundations for an industry re-start are being laid through close collaboration of the air transport industry with ICAO, the WHO, individual governments and other parties. Much work, however, remains to be done".

The five principles are as follows:

Aviation will always put safety and security first:

Airlines commit to working with their partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to implement a science-based biosecurity regime that will keep the passengers and crew safe while enabling efficient operations; and ensure that aviation is not a meaningful source for the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.

Aviation will respond flexibly as crisis and science evolve:

Airlines commit to working with their partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to utilise new science and technology as it becomes available, for example, reliable, scalable and efficient solutions for COVID-19 testing or immunity passports; develop a predictable and effective approach to managing any future border closures or mobility restrictions; and ensure that measures are scientifically supported, economically sustainable, operationally viable, continuously reviewed, and removed/replaced when no longer necessary.

Aviation will be the key driver of economic recovery:

Airlines commit to working with their partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to re-establish capacity that can meet the demands of the economic recovery as quickly as possible; and ensure that affordable air transport will be available in the post-pandemic period.

Aviation will meet environment targets:

Airlines commit to working with their partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to achieve their long-term goal of cutting net carbon emissions to half of 2005 levels by 2050; and successfully implement the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Aviation will operate to global standards harmonised and mutually recognised by governments:

Airlines commit to working with their partners in governments, institutions and across the industry to establish the global standards necessary for an effective re-start of aviation, particularly drawing on strong partnerships with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO); and ensure that agreed measures are effectively implemented and mutually recognised by governments.

"By committing to these principles, the leaders of the world’s airlines will guide the safe, responsible and sustainable re-start of our vital economic sector. Flying is our business. And it is everyone’s shared freedom,” concluded de Juniac.