Pandemic brings aviation and tourism industries to their knees

Traffic growth in Africa's aviation industry has been consistently increasing since 2011. The demand for air passenger services remained strong in 2018 with a 6.9 per cent year on year growth. Those positive results were supported by the good global economic environment particularly in the first half of 2018.   Then came the global pandemic early this year. It halted the aviation industry at a global level. No one was spared.   According to African Airlines Association (AFRAA’s) Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthe the world is experiencing the adverse impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the aviation industry is amongst the worst impacted.   Also Read: What the Pandemic means for African Aviation Industry “AFRAA is in solidarity with the rest of the world in collaborative efforts to support the airline industry during these difficult times,” he said adding that for African economies to recover, a vibrant aviation industry will be critical given the sector’s significant role in economic and social development.  The impact of the pandemic on the airline industry is severe and unprecedented.  Data from International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that a full-year 2020 traffic is expected to plummet by 51 per cent compared to 2019. Previous estimate by the association was a fall of 32 per cent.  Breakdown of estimated losses as a result