This article was originally published June 13 2020 on our previous website charterAOG.com, and has since been moved here.
Although we’re gaining some control over the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects on the global aviation industry have been unprecedented. In this article, we discuss why collaborating with the right AOG service provider is more crucial than ever.
Aviation and COVID-19
Aviation has taken a staggering hit since the COVID-19 virus spread exponentially around the world. Since March 2020, international governments have taken various significant measures to contain the dispersion of the disease to save lives and limit the load on hospitals.
Countries went on lockdown. Airports shut their doors. Certain retailers and service providers were prohibited. Travel bans were put into place. Foreign workers, who have worked hard to build a new life abroad, were repatriated to their countries of origin. Families were encouraged to stay at home and avoid all contact with friends and family.
Aviation ground to a halt, as did the many aviation support services that bolster the industry. This has affected thousands of staff who work in airlines, airports and other aviation related services and it’s heart-breaking to know that some organisations will not survive the effects of the pandemic and will have to cease operating completely.
Fast forward to June 2020 and we can see that airports are slowly re-opening. Airlines are resuming their operations albeit with restrictions. This is new territory for the industry and navigating through it will be a learning experience for all involved.
Undoubtedly, it’s a slow start, but one which will gain momentum as the industry adapts to the effects of COVID-19 and new travel requirements are established by medical professionals and implemented in airports and by airlines.
As the industry recuperates, the need for aviation support services will resume. This is welcome news to those working in aircraft maintenance and manufacturing, ground handlers, caterers and FBOs, just to name a few.
The AOG landscape post-COVID19
AOG (aircraft on ground) service providers can also expect a need for their expertise once again and the difficulties that the pandemic has brought to the aviation industry, have formed new “problems” that can be solved by partnering with an AOG charter specialist, such as charterAOG, in ways that weren’t previously considered.
Typically, AOG service providers were called upon to swiftly resolve any situations with a potential to ground or delay aircraft departure times. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to up to €600 (£534) in compensation when their flight lands at their destination more than three hours late. More information about the EU Regulation can be found here.
There are however new challenges facing airlines and air couriers post-COVID19.
As airlines get ready for take-off, transporting crew from their homes to their planes is proving to be rather difficult, due to the disruption to flight times and routes brought about by the pandemic. charterAOG has the ability to charter suitable aircraft for crew movements, ensuring that all crew members arrive to their destination/s punctually and safely.
Additionally, the high demand for cargo shipments has inflated air freight prices and has severely depleted available space on board. charterAOG is at the forefront of providing creative alternatives to standard air freight options. Through our network we can guarantee capacity on board, offer part-charter diversions and short notice solutions.
About charterAOG
charterAOG is an experienced and trusted air charter specialist that focuses solely on resolving AOG situations in the shortest time possible. Our years of experience in this niche sector, coupled with our 24/7/365 availability and our access to over 23,000 aircraft worldwide, have made charterAOG a go-to partner for some of the world’s leading airlines.
Once we receive a call for assistance, your AOG crisis becomes our top priority. Our sole aim is to resolve your AOG situation as soon as possible with a competitive, fast and innovative solution.
We love what we do at charterAOG and it’s been soul destroying to watch how COVID-19 has negatively impacted commercial aviation. We are primed, ready and eager to get the ball rolling again by helping the industry resolve all AOG situations that arise during daily operations.
As the industry reboots, it’s time to prepare ourselves for aviation’s grand recommencement. Talk to us today to find out how we can become your preferred AOG charter specialist whenever and wherever the need arises.