IATA says disappointed with India’s package to the aviation industry
MUMBAI: Global airline lobbying body the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it found it disappointing that the Indian government’s Rs 20 lakh crore relief package for industries hit by the Covid-19 virus contained nothing for the country’s aviation industry.
“It is particularly disappointing that the package of economic relief unveiled earlier this month contained nothing for airlines in the form of direct financial relief. Compare that to the $123 billion in government financial aid that has been announced around the world, including $26 billion in the Asia Pacific region,” said Alexandre De Juniac, director general, IATA said in a webinar organsed by Sydney-based consultant CAPA-Centre for Aviation.
“I urge the Indian government to support the airlines with a financial aid package that provides a bridge over this challenging period. Specifically, help the airlines with measures that raise equity financing rather than to increase debt. This needs to be done urgently before it is too late,” he added.
