This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
Published on May 6, 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced its support for the wearing of face coverings for passengers and masks for crew on board aircraft as an interim measure against the coronavirus pandemic.
The association, representing some 290 airlines comprising 82% of global air traffic, has stated that it does not support mandating social distancing measures that would leave “middle seats” empty.
According to Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director-general and CEO, the safety of passengers and crew is paramount. He emphasized that the aviation industry is working with governments to re-start flying when it can be done safely.
De Juniac noted that evidence suggests that the risk of transmission on board aircraft is low. To add extra layers of protection, IATA is proposing measures such as the wearing of face coverings by passengers and masks by the crew.
Other proposed temporary biosecurity measures include temperature screening of passengers, airport workers, and travelers, as well as simplified catering procedures that lower crew movement and interaction with passengers.
When proven and available at scale, testing for COVID-19 or immunity passports could also be included as temporary biosecurity measures, said IATA.
It cited contact tracing for a flight from China to Canada with a symptomatic COVID-19 passenger, which revealed no onboard transmission.
