The Universal Postal Union, the United Nations specialized agency for postal matters, is joining a campaign by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to help keep cargo planes moving as governments suspend passenger flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IATA is asking governments to fast track permits allowing cargo carriers to take over withdrawn passenger operations in key hubs. The organization recommends removing restrictions, such as curfews, overflight charges and parking fees, and grant carriers temporary traffic rights to keep the supply chain moving. The UPU’s Director of Operations, Abdelilah Bousseta, said, “We’re encouraging Posts to partner with cargo carriers to keep the mail moving – particularly shipments of supplies meant to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” “We therefore fully support IATA’s campaign asking governments to ease up on red-tape for cargo carriers and are working to get our members on board with the initiative,” he said. According to IATA’s Airlines Cargo Operations Status page on the Corona virus (COVID-19), more than 50 airlines have suspended service, while more than 160 have reported impacts to service.*** The Universal Postal Union is a UN specialized agency with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne. Established in 1874, it is one of the world’s oldest international organizations and is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. For more information on UPU’s actions to keep the supply chain working should visit the following webpage: http://www.upu.int/en/activities/upu-action-on-network-disruptions-caused-by-covid-19/about-upu-action-on-network-disruptions-caused-by-covid-19.html
For further information, please contact:
David Dadge
Programme Manager, Communication and Events Programme
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Mobile: +41 76 457 36 54
Work: +41 31 350 31 23