Cargo is getting a new seat.
A ruling by the FAA on May 21, 2020, allows airlines to move cargo that was located in the cargo deck of the aircraft to be moved to passenger seats.
The exemption granted to U.S. carriers allows for the cargo to be located in seats when no passengers are being transported.
The timeframe that this will occur is through December 31, 2020.
The exemption came as a result of a letter from Airlines for America, on behalf of its members, dated April 23, 2020.
The group pointed out that this move would ”alleviate the overall supply chain capacity constraints that have been generated by significant reductions in passenger flight operations.”
Furthermore, the group said that its request is in the “national public interest as it is based on the President’s March 13, 2020, declaration of a national emergency concerning COVID-19."
In addition to national security, the group pointed out the financial loss, explaining the industry is “currently experiencing an unprecedented downturn in passenger traffic—up to a 96% reduction in comparison to last year." And this reduction had opened up capacity for cargo on passenger planes including critical medical cargo.
