How the Pandemic Affected Commercial Aviation 

    The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all industries around the world, but none more than aviation. National and international governments grounded flights in order slow the spread of the virus. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revenue per passenger kilometer declined by 65.9% in 2020 compared to 2019. It is also projecting the possible recovery could only be 13% above 2020 levels in a worst-case scenario (Richter, 2021). IATA has also reported that April of 2020 passenger demand dropped to its lowest by 94.3% compared to April of 2019 (Rooley, 2020). Unfortunately, many experts are not able to predict when, or even if, there will be a comeback to pre-pandemic passenger numbers. IATA, in the most optimistic scenario, is hoping for 2021 demands to be 50% of 2019 levels (Richter, 2021). 

    The future of the aviation industry depends on many factors. First airline manager and operators will need to work with local and foreign governments to develop a plan that is safe and effective. Current guidelines that have been in effect have been mostly cooperated with. This means that once a strong, cohesive plan is put into action it will likely be followed with general ease. The pandemic has also caused many layoffs, furloughs and firing of skilled employees. The industry will have to give incentives for these essential workers to return, while also recruiting employees with no aviation experience and properly training them. The training of all employees will also need specific training in the policies and procedures that are developed within the approved plan (Rooley, 2020).

    I believe the aviation industry can rebuild and come back better and more effective than ever. There have been other times that airlines took a hit in the economy, but at the end of the day people want to travel for business, leisure and to see family. I have flown a few times to North Carolina, Colorado and Oregon since the pandemic started and there are still many people who want to travel and are courteous to other passengers. It will take and planning, but I believe it will happen. 

  

  One silver lining about the effect of the pandemic is that you are usually able to move or cancel your flight with no fees and 100% reimbursement. Hopefully that will last!

References

Richter, F. (2021, February 18). Aviation industry suffers 'worst year in history' as COVID-19 grounds         international travel. Retrieved from weforum.org: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/02/covid19-    coronavirus-tourism-aviation-industry-decline

Rooley, J. (2020, July 9). How COVID-19 has affected the aviation industry and its approach to risk.     Retrieved from wtwco.com: https://www.wtwco.com/en-GB/Insights/2020/06/how-covid-19-has-   affected-the-aviation-industry