The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines has again urged governments to act to ease the financial woes of the region’s major airlines.
It wants restrictions eased such as exempting overseas crew from quarantine, and to relax slot restrictions and operating hours where appropriate.
The new appeal by the AAPA comes as the trade group said the number of flights operated by Asia Pacific airlines declined by 93% in the first week of April.
"The current crisis is taking an enormous toll on Asian economies and people’s livelihoods across the region. Some 50 million people work in travel and tourism alone within the Asia Pacific region," said new AAPA director general, Subhas Menon.
Global demand for air cargo declined by 19% in March, AAPA said.
"Aviation has always been a key driver of economic and social development, nowhere more so than in the Asia Pacific region, and will play an important role in the overall recovery effort," Menon added.
