570,000 Philippines aviation jobs at risk — IATA

MANILA, Philippines  — More than half a million Filipinos in aviation and its supporting industries could lose their jobs as economic uncertainty continues due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) told The STAR that 570,000 jobs, including those supported by aviation, are now at risk in the country, based on its latest assessment.

The group’s estimates for the country continue to swell given the worsening impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.

The latest figures showed a significant jump from its April and March estimates of 548,300 and 419,800 potential job losses, respectively.

Similarly, airline revenue for the Philippine market is now seen decreasing by $4.63 billion this year as passenger demand is expected to fall 49 percent.

This is compared to its estimates last April which indicated that passenger demand in the country could decline by 47 percent this year compared to 2019, resulting in a revenue loss of $4.48 billion.

IATA, a body representing global carriers, earlier said that the aviation industry’s recovery will be long and challenging as airlines remain financially fragile until next year.

Philippine carriers have been reeling from the impact of the pandemic, which grounded their planes for more than two months beginning mid-March.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has laid off 300 ground-based administrative and management personnel, and the company’s president and COO Gilbert Santa Maria earlier said the airline may lay off more crew depending on how its recovery plays out.

Budget carrier AirAsia Philippines will be letting go 12 percent of its 2,200 employees starting next month, while Cebu Pacific is also looking at reducing further its staff in the coming days after laying off over 150 cabin crewmembers last March.