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IATA looks to the post-pandemic future of aviation
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) along with Tourism Economics released its long-term forecast for the post-Covid-19 passenger demand recovery.
It predicts it will be 2023 before global passenger numbers start surpassing pre-Covid-19 levels, while 2021 global passenger numbers will only recover to about half of pre-pandemic levels.
Over the long term, it expects demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), will grow by an annual average of 3% through 2039.
"The rapidly growing vaccinated population and advancements in testing will return the freedom to fly in the months ahead. When that happens, people are going to want to travel. The immediate challenge is to reopen borders, eliminate quarantine measures and digitally manage vaccination/testing certificates" said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
"This should be a clarion call to governments to get ready. To avoid greater long-term economic and social damage, restart must not be delayed."
Speaking of the need to be more sustainable, the report says a meaningful low-carbon energy transition for aviation has started.
It sees a future of wide-scale use of sustainable aviation fuels, and in the long term future, electric and hydrogen powered aircraft.
There is much more that can be done with infrastructure, such as airports and air traffic management, to operate with more efficiency and minimum emissions, it says.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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