Aviation sector Coronavirus losses continue to climb

For the second consecutive month, passenger numbers were down by more than one million.

Passenger numbers data for May 2020 shows a drop of 99 per cent in international passengers compared to May 2019.

Interstate passenger numbers fell by almost 97 per cent for May.

Regional passenger numbers were down 65 per cent with FIFO flights accounting for almost all intrastate travel.

Perth Airport has now lost more than 2.3 million passengers since State and Federal travel restrictions were enforced.

Even allowing for the continued FIFO flights, Perth Airport’s overall passenger numbers are down almost 90 per cent on the same time last year.

Perth Airport CEO Kevin Brown has welcomed comments that the Federal Government is considering extending JobKeeper payments for the aviation sector.

“The aviation sector was the first to be impacted by the coronavirus virus and it’s had a massive impact,” Mr Brown said.

“Airports, airlines and the myriad of companies that provide aviation support services have all suffered catastrophic losses of business and revenue and many people’s jobs have been directly impacted.

“Despite the almost 90 per cent drop in passenger numbers, Perth Airport has kept its runways and terminals operational 24/7 to support FIFO flights, freight services and repatriation flights.

“We’ve lost 2.3 million passengers and we know that number will continue to grow in the months ahead.

“We are doing everything we can to cut our costs and keep as many people in jobs as possible without compromising safety, security or operations.

“JobKeeper has played a critical role in that effort but we don’t know what will happen post September 27. We welcome comments from the Federal Government that this is now under review. JobKeeper has been important and will continue to be so during these unprecedented times for the aviation sector including airports,” Mr Brown said.