IATA has no plans to expel Russian airlines

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) appears to have no immediate plans to expel Russian and Belarusian carriers from the association.

IATA is an agency made up of 290 airlines in 120 countries that supports 82% of the total available seat miles worldwide, supports airline operations and helps to formulate industry policies and standards.

IATA’s stance on the issue has been very clear, they do not support the banning or sanctions against Russian carriers. The agency said las week that they did not support the banning of parts to Russian airlines. Some of this most likely has something to do with Aeroflot CEO Mikhail Poluboyarinov being on the IATA board of directors, as such any decision to remove Russian airlines wouldn’t be able to be done without his approval.

The agency gave the following statement on the matter: “We are appalled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and sympathize greatly with the human suffering that has resulted, Any discussion or decision on membership of Russian carriers in IATA, however, would have to consider the impact on IATA operations in Russia and the negative consequences for consumers worldwide.”

Though it is important to note that according to IATA’s article of association “if a member has committed any act or omission which is prejudicial to the mission and aims of IATA, or if a member has been placed under limitation for at least one year.” an airline can be removed from the association.

Another requirement is to maintain IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) requirements, all of the members Russian airlines now have “provisional” status, this means that IATA has begun examining their operational circumstances, for carriers in Ukraine it has changed to “suspended” until further notice.

It is important to note that were the situation to continue, it is possible that the carriers will be removed from the association citing the former reason.

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