This week, world aviation leaders have gathered here in Doha for an important Aeropolitical Summit.

CEO of British Airways-owner IAG group, CEO of IATA, CEO of Rwandair, CEO of Oman Aviation Group, EU Transport delegates, among others are present for robust discussion on the global factors affecting our aviation industry currently, including: 737 MAX crisis, coronavirus, trade wars, Iran tensions, and more.

Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of IATA started by explaining there were four key issues facing the aviation industry — with the number one being climate change. “Too many countries, including my own, are inventing new taxes in name of environment — this undermines the effectiveness of CORSIA” he explained, referring to the climate change goals set by the organisation with an aim at reducing emissions.

“This world would be a terrible place without aviation” British-Airways owner IAG Group CEO Willie Walsh said, before he turned the conversation to the manufacturers, explaining “We need strong competition between aircraft manufacturers, we only have two in reality”

“I think we’ve seen a situation where both Airbus and Boeing have become complacent”

Hitting out at Airbus, he added “Airbus’ big problems with A321neo production at Hamburg is not only annoying for us, but it’s affecting our operation – particularly with Aer Lingus”.

Earlier this year, Airbus announced that they’ll be replacing A380 production facilities with A321neo production in order to be able to better meet the booming demand for single aisle jets.

With the industry facing its latest challenge, a health crisis amid the outbreak of the coronavirus from Africa, Willie Walsh remained hopeful. “I’ve seen 9/11, I’ve seen Sars outbreak, global financial crisis. We are much more capable today at responding to economic shock like the coronavirus. The industry will respond in the right way.”

“It’s easy for people to say we should just stop flying because of the coronavirus. I disagree completely” he added.

Also at the summit, Qatar Airways revealed it is in talks to buy a 49% stake in Rwanda's state carrier, RwandAir, the Gulf airline's chief executive officer confirmed. "We are very tough negotiators ...we will take our time to negotiate," Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer HE Akbar al-Baker explained.

The Qatari airline already owns stakes in British Airways-parent International Airlines Group, China Southern, Cathay Pacific and Chile's LATAM Airlines Group. The news of Rwandair investment follows Qatar’s decision to invest, own and operate 60% of a new international airport near to Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali.

The author is an aviation analyst. Twitter handle: @AlexInAir


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