The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Monday warned of the adverse effects the looming global trade war will have on the world's airlines. Opening the group’s annual general meeting Sydney, Australia, IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac called upon governments to resist trade protectionism for the sake of the global economy and, by extension, the airline industry.

For now, according to the global airline body, the global aviation industry’s financial foundation stands stronger than ever. The association announced its financial projections for 2018, projecting a composite net margin of 4.1 percent on a net profit of $33.8 billion, despite rising costs primarily related to fuel and labor. It expects jet fuel prices to rise to $84 per barrel.  

Separately, IATA disclosed that its partnership with governments on security has deepened after some challenges last year. “[The partnership] was vital, said de Juniac. “It helped the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to replace its personal electronic devices ban with alternative measures that have improved security globally.” 

However, airlines shoulder most of the implementation work for the measures against a tight time lime. “Airlines are still conducting passenger security interviews in place of governments,” said de Juniac. “And they may also have to fill a gap to meet U.S. TSA requirements on emerging chemical, biological, and radiological threats. This is not sustainable in the long term.”