You might also like:
GLOBAL airlines made a full-throated defense of globalization on Monday at their largest annual gathering, vowing not to give up on climate change agreements and calling for a swift resolution of a diplomatic rift threatening air travel in the Middle East.
Asked about Saudi Arabia and Bahrain’s move to ban Qatari planes from their airports and airspace, IATA director-general Alexandre de Juniac called for openness.
“We would like borders to be reopened, the sooner the better,” he told reporters, expanding on earlier remarks in the opening session.
He had told executives from IATA’s more than 200 airlines.
“Aviation is globalization at its very best.”
“As aviation’s leaders, we must bear witness to the achievements of our connected world.”
Qatar Airways could not be reached for comment.
The Arab rift was a stark reminder of the political risks to the airlines, which have run up healthy profits even as the global consensus they rely upon comes under the threat of nationalist and protectionist political currents.
Forecasting a third straight year of robust earnings, IATA raised its 2017 industry profit outlook on Monday to US$31.4 billion, up from a previous forecast of US$29.8 billion.
The IATA also raised its outlook for 2017 industry revenue to US$743 billion from US$736 billion on expectations that the global economy will post its strongest growth in six years.
The forecast underscored a new golden age for airlines’ profitability even as carriers scramble to meet fast-changing electronics restrictions, pressure to limit emissions and unprecedented scrutiny on social media over their every mistake.
A United Nations representative urged airline leaders to stand by an industry emissions accord known as Corsia even as United States President Donald Trump breaks with a climate pact struck in Paris last year.
“We need to promote the implementation of this historic agreement,” UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization president Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said.
IATA’s de Juniac said the airlines would hold fast to their commitments.
“The very disappointing decision of the US to withdraw from Paris is not a setback for Corsia,” he told the meeting. “We remain united behind Corsia, and our climate change goals.” – Reuters
The post Global airlines congregate to reach consensus in fractured world appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com