Thursday, February 25, 2021

Airline industry likely to remain cash negative in 2021: IATA

The International Air Transport Association's analysis on Wednesday showed that airlines are expected to remain cash negative until 2022. However, previous analysis in November 2020 indicated that airlines would turn cash positive in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Estimates for cash burn in 2021 have ballooned to the $75 billion to $95 billion range from a previously anticipated $48 billion.

IATA said it is already clear that the first half of 2021 will be worse than earlier anticipated.

"With governments having tightening border restrictions, 2021 is shaping up to be a much tougher year than previously expected. Our best-case scenario sees airlines burning through $75 billion in cash this year. And it could be as bad as $95 billion," IATA's Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac was quoted as saying in a statement.

"More emergency relief from governments will be needed. A functioning airline industry can eventually energise the economic recovery from Covid-19. But that won't happen if there are massive failures before the crisis ends. If governments are unable to open their borders, we will need them to open their wallets with financial relief to keep airlines viable."

Besides, IATA said vaccines and testing will play a role as the pandemic comes under control and economies ramp up, including the travel sector.

"The 'IATA Travel Pass' will enable travellers to securely control their health data and share it with relevant authorities."

25/02/21 IANS/News Minute

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

0 comments:

Post a Comment