Abu Dhabi: The head of the International Air Transport Association (Iata) said businesses should all be concerned about protectionist rhetoric, which has been coming from the US and Europe.
"Even though the year has started with some positive signs, we are still in a very tough business...More broadly, we must all be concerned about the protectionist rhetoric that is spreading. Aviation is the business of freedom. The industry is premised on borders that are open to people and trade; that is at the heart of the important role that we play in globalization," said Alexandre de Juniac, director general and chief executive officer of IATA.
He said globalisation, with the help of aviation, has played a key role in lifting hundreds of millions of people from poverty.
De Juniac was speaking on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi at the 11th World Cargo Symposium, which runs until March 16.
Also speaking was James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Aviation Group, who said he expected growth in the cargo industry this year to reach 3.1 per cent.
Hogan said the growth will be driven by Europe, Middle East, and South Asia trade lanes.
During his speech, Hogan also stood by Open Skies agreements, saying that they are needed by major companies to facilitate growth.
The deal has been under focus after three US-based airlines slammed Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways for unfair competition, claiming that the Gulf carriers have benefited from over $40 billion in subsidies from their respective governments.
