Waive 'use it or lose it' slot rule for winter – Iata

“There were good reasons why the 80-20 rule was waived for the summer season," said Iata director general and chief executive Alexandre de Juniac.

"Regulators should apply the same common-sense approach again, and waive the rule for the winter season as well. Airlines need to focus on meeting what consumers want today, without trying to defend the slots needed for what their schedule might look like a year from now."

Iata is also calling on governments to continue providing the sector financial assistance through subsidising domestic operations, and waiving airport and air traffic control charges.

Other suggestions include extending wage subsidies and corporate tax reliefs, as well as tapering their restoration; Iata believes relieving carriers’ of some of their immediate VAT, fuel and passenger tax duties would help stimulate the market.

Additionally, Iata has suggested governments cover the cost of any new operational health measures introduced or imposed as a result of coronavirus, and avoiding any increases in other charges or fees.

According to Iata, airlines are expected to post a loss in the region of $85 billion this year, with Covid-19 already having decimated many carriers’ more profitable summer seasons. June bookings are down 82% year-on-year, Iata estimates.

“People are returning to the skies, but the horizon of uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis is extending," said de Juniac. "Forward bookings are down, and people are hedging their travel bets by booking closer to the time of travel.

"Airlines in the northern hemisphere rely on a strong summer season and a predictable booking curve to get them through the lean months. But neither of these conditions are in place and airlines will need continued help from governments to survive a hard winter.

"Airlines will need much more flexibility to plan schedules around these changing consumer trends. Financial and operational flexibility equals survival."