Canada’s aviation industry has been facing heavy economic losses due to the heavy impacts of the pandemic COVID-19. Since, the World Health Organisation declared on 11th March 2020, that the world is undergoing a pandemic, known as Coronavirus. The impacts on the aviation industry has been massive in terms of the of the economic & financial losses. Ironically, according to the stats, these are vital facts for Canada’s aviation industry. Hence, as well according to the IATA rules in place. Most of the rules of IATA, i.e. Int. Air Transport Association are merged with the rules and regulations of the health governing body. WHO, i.e. World Health Organisation, is the supreme health governing body to combat the health & economic effects of pandemic. Furthermore, administer the whole scenario until it gets in control.
As these losses have been witnessed everywhere in Canada, in most sectors of the economy including sports, business & stock exchanges. In addition to these, real estate and other financial sectors. The airline industry has witnessed the largest sufferings in terms of the cancelled flights. Also, related to travel & health insurance claims. Furthermore, other cancellations that the pandemic has caused in Canada. In simple words, it has been terrible as far as travelling is concerned. Vitally, due to the amount of travel restrictions being imposed, regards to international flights from Canada. On top of this, the flights from one province to another. The main reason for people preferring not to travel was mainly due to spending time in quarantine. Particularly, as part of mandatory set of rules after travel. Additionally, also due to a series of lock downs happening in entire Canada.
The health, safety and well-being of the passengers and the staff became the aviation industry’s number one priority. Importantly, true in these recent times that we have witnessed COVID-19 at its peak. The Airports all over Canada has introduced many new health and bio safety measures. Specifically, to help ensure the health and safety of their passengers. Apart from this, IATA, the world Aviation body has made sure that the customer expectation reflects the rapid changing expectations. Finally, that they also addresses the passengers concerns as their top most priority.
IATA’s ROLE MERGED WITH THE CANADIAN AIRPORT AUTHORITIES:
The roles and responsibilities of IATA were merged with the Canada’s airport authorities. Something, that has surely proved to be practical in the real scenario. Furthermore, full of excellence in terms of the economic recovery process. This role of IATA was seen more dynamically. Especially, while making sure that health & safety measures during travelling were highly standardised and strictly monitored. This is true for both international travels & travels within the provincial boundaries of Canada. Also, known famously in technical terms as Domestic travels (inter-country travels). These measures includes wearing masks, taking quarantine after flights & proving to be fully vaccinated. In addition to this, having no symptoms of COVID-19 during the travels. Hence, finally making sure that travelling from one place to another is highly safe. Especially, with regards to the health & safety guidelines that are in place at all Airports.
The capital city Ottawa and the largest metropolitan Toronto were the first one to implement these laws in Canada. That is, with successful implementation on their international airports. Thus, also travel within Ontario province was made strictly, according to the health & safety guidelines. Importantly, for the first time as compared to other provinces & territories. COVID-19 has caused a huge number of deaths in the most significant province Ontario. This is apart from the many financial, economic and business losses, that the vast province has suffered. Health & safety and the well-being of the passengers was being monitored not only for air travels. But, also for train travels as well as other modes of public transports & travels within Ontario Province. Ironically, with heavy fines being imposed initially on non-compliance.
GETTING ON THE PATH TO RECOVERY:
Getting on the path to recovery at the start of the year 2021 was made easy by IATA. Furthermore, also by the Canadian airport authorities. The credit largely goes to the consistency involved in the practices being imposed. Especially, regards to health & safety practices during air travel. Hence, with the biggest vaccination campaign in history that is underway currently. Vitally, we have seen some very optimistic signs and prospects for the recovery. This is vitally because both the travellers and the industry stakeholders are keen to resume travelling. Most importantly, they want these restriction & measures to be removed on a much faster rate. As far as they can get close to being back to normal.
All these efforts in Canada has proved very optimistic. Specifically, regards to both international and domestic air traffic. The domestic passenger traffic is expected to reach the 2019 levels by the second half of 2023. Indeed, a massive recovery regards to the amount of catastrophe that has already been seen in the Canadian aviation sector. This means practically 2.5 years of the recovery time. Furthermore, getting back to 2019 figures that were fantastic stats in terms of the passenger air-traffic. A huge credit goes to the IATA and ACI, Airports Council International, a body that was formed in year 1991.