Coronavirus: impact of the pandemic on the African air sector

The African air sector seriously impacted by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. REUTERS / Amr Abdallah Dalsh

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Since the beginning of the paralysis of air transport in the world because of the pandemic of the new coronavirus, the Association of African Airlines (AFRAA) has twice made projections on the shortfall that this health crisis will cause in the sector. The latest estimate, made on May 14, suggests a loss of $ 8.1 billion this year, against $ 4.4 billion assessed two months earlier.

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With borders closed since mid-March and despite some domestic flights which are starting again timidly in certain countries, the overall losses of the turnover of African airlines will exceed 8 billion dollars for the current year. But for this already catastrophic situation not to be even worse, certain conditions must be met, according to Abderamane Berthé, secretary general of the Association of African Airlines.

With the assumption that, during the third quarter of 2020, the airlines will be able to resume 40% of their activity and during the last quarter of 2020, 70% of their activity. Once again, this will depend on the decisions that will be taken by the different states regarding the opening of borders. So, we will redo an estimate as of June 15, 2020,  ”he said.

Afraa reiterates the call it made at the start of the covid-19 pandemic to the governments of different African countries and to international financial institutions to support the continent's airlines. This assistance does not consist only in granting grants, but also in loans at preferential rates, when the companies that survive ask the donors.

► Read also: Coronavirus: the affected African air sector

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  • Coronavirus
  • Aeronautics

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Coronavirus: the affected African air sector