Noting that there were "nearly 2,000 government-imposed aviation taxes and charges" in its data base--of which 230 were statutory taxes imposed on tickets, IATA said "the number seems to grow with each government budget cycle, most increases are incremental, but they add up."
"It is not unusual for the net impact of government taxes and charges to reach 20 per cent or more of the cost of travel-nearly four times the airlines' average net margin. Airlines are a force for good creating jobs and spreading wealth. Why then are we taxed as punitively as the 'sins' of alcohol and tobacco?" asked IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler.
Tyler maintained that reduction or abolition of most taxes would lead to "a net positive benefit for government finances, national economies and individuals", an IATA release said.
Referring to heightened regulations in the aviation sector, Tyler said, however, "not all regulations have the same galvanising clarity of focus. Passenger rights rules, for example, often seem more intent on penalising airlines than helping passengers enjoy the benefits of efficient travel."
He also referred to aviation safety and security issues and mentioned recent incidents including those involving aircraft of EgyptAir, Malaysian Airlines and others, saying "we face real threats. Government and industry must be nimble, share information, use global standards and keep a risk-based mindset when developing counter-measures.