AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes claims governments ’ Covid-19 coordination ‘horrific’
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“The coordination on Covid-19 is horrific,” AirAsia Group Bhd founder and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes laments and claims in a direct swipe at world governments’ on how the global pandemic has been managed and its impact on the travel and aviation industries.
BBC has today quoted Fernandes as saying that in his history of running an aviation business, he has never seen something so poorly coordinated.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever heard,” he said. “The United Nations, with the travel industry, should have come up with some standard protocols” earlier in the pandemic, but politics had got in the way, according to him.
“Governments are petrified of their people, and they’re taking a very, very, very conservative view. They all want to be in control.
“I just think that everyone’s… scared and just reacting in a very jingoistic and nationalistic way. I think countries are going to say, unless you’re vaccinated they’re not going to let you in without quarantine,” Fernandes said.
The BBC report, which also quoted International Air Transport Association (IATA) director-general Alexandre de Juniac, said the world’s airlines need another US$70 billion (about RM283.5 billion) to US$80 billion of government support to get through the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
de Juniac was quoted as saying the figures were “on top of the US$170 billion already granted”.
It was reported that June 2021 is when he expects the first significant easing of travel restrictions, as the impact of vaccines begins to be felt.
“Government travel restrictions and a huge fall in passenger confidence meant global demand for flights fell about 60% last year, according to IATA figures.
“That means 2020 saw about 1.8 billion passengers fly, instead of the 4.5 billion in 2019. In an industry where profit margins were already thin it means airlines are estimated to have already lost US$118 billion, with worse set to come,” BBC reported.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is Tony Fernandes' primary criticism regarding the pandemic response?
What is Tony Fernandes' primary criticism regarding the pandemic response?
He claims the coordination on Covid-19 has been horrific, stating that politics prevented the United Nations and travel industry from establishing standard protocols earlier. He believes governments are reacting fearfully and nationalistically.
Q.How much additional government support do airlines require to navigate the crisis?
How much additional government support do airlines require to navigate the crisis?
According to IATA director-general Alexandre de Juniac, airlines need an additional US$70 billion to US$80 billion in government support. This amount is on top of the US$170 billion already provided.
Q.When does IATA anticipate a significant easing of travel restrictions?
When does IATA anticipate a significant easing of travel restrictions?
IATA director-general Alexandre de Juniac expects the first significant easing of travel restrictions to occur in June 2021. This timing aligns with when the impact of vaccines is anticipated to be felt.
Q.What was the estimated financial loss for airlines due to the pandemic?
What was the estimated financial loss for airlines due to the pandemic?
Airlines are estimated to have already lost US$118 billion. This loss occurred in an industry where profit margins were already slim, with further losses expected.
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