News
EASA passenger-to-freighter conversion exemptions ending on July 31
April 13th 2022
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said exemptions that allow airlines to carry cargo in passenger aircraft cabins will not be extended beyond July 31, 2022. Read More » EASA introduced the exemptions in 2020 after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted governments to restrict international travel. As a result, cargo markets faced a severe capacity crunch that was somewhat alleviated when airlines were permitted to carry cargo on board passenger aircraft. "Following a review of the operational context for transport of cargo in the passenger cabin, the agency [EASA] has concluded the logistical challenges that arose in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 crisis no longer exist to the same extent," EASA said in a statement. "In accordance with the Issue 6.0 of the Guidelines for Transport of Cargo in Passenger Compartments, the Agency has therefore determined the exemptions delivered in this context will not be extended beyond the current validity of July 31, 2022."