TACA Newscenter

ALTA AND MEMBER AIRLINES FULLY SUPPORT WHO AND IATA

--ALTA Reconfirms its Top Priority Policy for Passengers and Crew; Calling on Region’s Authorities of Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador and Peru to Stop Unilateral Restrictions Contrary to WHO Recommendations--

MIAMI (May 1, 2009) – ALTA (Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association) and its member airlines are continuing to closely monitor the developments of the swine flu situation and are in full support of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and IATA’s recommendations. Safety for passengers and crew is our top priority.

As reiterated by the WHO this morning (see attached), there is “no rationale for travel restriction.” The WHO advises there should be no restrictions to travel or closure of borders. “ALTA and our member airlines strongly support the WHO’s recommendations and the initiatives they are implementing to educate the public on how to protect themselves rather than non-effective restrictions on flights or closing borders,” says ALTA’s Executive Director Alex de Gunten. “The WHO is the global expert on this issue and we are calling on the region’s governmental authorities to follow the WHO’s recommended courses of action as it relates to this situation.”

ALTA also reiterates and supports comments released by IATA emphasizing that “airlines are prepared.” (See attached; also available at http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/2009-04-30-01.htm)

“In addition, we are very concerned about the unilateral actions being taken by some countries in our region, specifically, Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador and Peru, to impose unilateral travel restrictions,” adds de Gunten. “These restrictions not only go against the WHO’s recommendations, but are negatively impacting travelers and citizens who want to return to their countries, and are also negative to the economic well being of countries in the region.”

“Passenger safety and well being are of utmost importance and our focus at this time is a coordinated effort under the guidance of the WHO,” continues de Gunten. “A great deal of precaution is being taken and airlines are prepared. Travel and aviation is a safe industry. We ask these countries to reconsider their decisions and adhere to the WHO guidelines.”

About ALTA:

ALTA (Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association), www.alta.aero, was founded in 1980 as a non-profit airline association. Its member carriers have total revenue of more than $21 billion, operate more than 800 aircraft and employ more than 70,000 workers in Antigua, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Uruguay and in other nations the airlines serve.

Member Airlines: *Aerogal, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Aeropostal, Aerorepublica, Aerosur, Air Jamaica, Aires, Aserca, Avianca, Bahamas Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cayman Airways, Click Mexicana, Copa Airlines, Cubana, Icaro, *InselAir, LAN, LAN Ecuador, LAN Peru, LIAT, Lloyd Aereo Boliviano, Mexicana, Nature Air, Pluna, Santa Barbara, Sky Airline, TACA, TACA Peru, TAM, TAM Mercosur, TAME, VarigLog, Volaris, VRG Linhas Aereas-GOL Group. Associate Members: Air Canada, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Iberia, UPS. Affiliate Members: Airbus, Amadeus, AON, ARINC, AvGroup, Bain, Boeing, Bombardier, CFM, Chevron, Embraer, Hahn Air, Lufthansa Systems, MARSH Aviation, NCR, OAG, Petrobras, ROUTES, SABRE Air Solutions, SH&E, SHELL Aviation, SITA, Spencer Stuart, Travelport, UATP, Unisys, Wencor, White & Case, Willis Aerospace.
(*in process)

No Rationale for Travel Restrictions

1 May 2009 -- WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.

Influenza A (H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.

Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only Influenza A (H1N1).

Airlines Prepared for Swine Flu

Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasised that airlines are prepared for the heightened level of alert following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to move to Phase 5 of its pandemic preparedness plan.
IATA has worked with WHO to prepare guidance materials for front line staff at airlines, including cabin crew, maintenance workers, cleaners, passenger agents and cargo/baggage handlers.
“We are following the advice of the World Health Organization. Safety for passengers and crew is our top priority. People getting on planes should be reassured of two things. First, even under normal circumstances, airlines have equipment and measures in place to keep the cabin environment safe. For example modern aircraft have air filtration systems similar to those in hospitals, aircraft are regularly disinfected as part of normal cleaning routines and crew are trained in handling procedures for passengers who might become ill on board aircraft. Secondly, the years of planning for the possibility of avian influenza have prepared the industry to deal efficiently with the unfolding situation by following the recommendations of WHO,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

WHO advises there should be no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

“WHO is the global expert. WHO is not advising any travel restrictions. We hope that governments take decisions and coordinate their actions in line with WHO recommendations,” said Bisignani.
Some governments, however, are adjusting immigration procedures, which can create confusion for travellers. IATA is collecting new requirements through the IATA Travel Centre. Passengers can get the most up-to-date information on travel documentation requirements at www.iatatravelcentre.com.