Resilience and efficiency through Leadership and Cooperation

Many stakeholders have interests in the aviation industry, including airlines, airports, service operators, air traffic managers, shippers, passengers, and regulators. Effective leadership and cooperation among these stakeholders is essential to rebuild the industry from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a forum of industry thought leaders, Hermes has taken the lead in facilitating discussion on industry collaboration and leadership. Based on briefs received from 14 industry associations, we find strong agreement that leadership can be achieved under ICAO, and collaboration can take place at the regional and international levels. Moreover, the dissemination of evidence-based research can be important in reducing threats to the industry from unilateral state actions. Finally, the pandemic represents an excellent opportunity to build back better, increasing safety, security, and efficiency, while reducing the environmental footprint of the industry.