UPU: We’re encouraging Posts to partner with cargo carriers to keep the mail moving

 The Universal Postal Union, the United Nations specialised agency for postal matters, is joining a campaign by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to help keep cargo planes moving as governments suspend passenger flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

IATA is asking governments to fast track permits allowing cargo carriers to take over withdrawn passenger operations in key hubs. The organisation recommends removing restrictions, such as curfews, overflight charges and parking fees, and grant carriers temporary traffic rights to keep the supply chain moving.

The UPU’s Director of Operations, Abdelilah Bousseta, said: “We’re encouraging Posts to partner with cargo carriers to keep the mail moving – particularly shipments of supplies meant to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

“We therefore fully support IATA’s campaign asking governments to ease up on red-tape for cargo carriers and are working to get our members on board with the initiative,” he said.

According to IATA’s Airlines Cargo Operations Status page on the Corona virus (COVID-19), more than 50 airlines have suspended service, while more than 160 have reported impacts to service.