September 24 - On behalf of National Airlines Council of Canada member carriers (Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet) and the thousands of Canadians they employ, the industry acknowledges the statement in September 23rd Throne Speech that the government intends to introduce further support for hardest hit sectors including travel and tourism. The aviation sector needs the government to immediately come forward with a coherent and concrete plan to support the industry and allow its recovery.

 

Over the past several months COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the aviation industry, their employees, and the communities they serve. Canada’s major airlines are the central piece of the overall air transport and tourism sector which supports over 630,000 jobs and represents 3.2% of Canada’s GDP.

 

Since the Spring tens of thousands of aviation employees have been let go, impacting families and communities across the country. Airline industry is operating at approximately 15% capacity. According to the most recent government data, passenger numbers are down 94% with aviation still at Stage 0 in its recovery – all the border measures and travel restrictions implemented in March remain in effect.

 

The government’s plan must address the industry’s immediate concerns, including liquidity, and the promotion and development of a rapid testing protocol that can be utilized across the aviation sector, similar to what is already in place in other countries. Airline members, in conjunction with their airport partners, have launched two trial testing programs to help further the development of a robust testing regime.

 

More than 312,000 letters have been sent to Members of Parliament in the past weeks, asking the government to move forward with a responsible restart of travel and tourism. We need to get moving.

 

Canada’s major trading partners and every major trading nation introduced support for their aviation sector months ago, precisely because of the critical role aviation must play in the economic recovery and the need to ensure their aviation sectors remain globally competitive. Some countries are now preparing a second sectoral support plan.

 

National Airlines Council of Canada looks forward to working with the government and all political parties, on a clear plan to support aviation. But we must work quickly.

 

 

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