Air Transport and Pandemic Law: Legal, Regulatory, Ethical and Economic Issues

The book discusses legal, ethical, economic and trade aspects of the Pandemic as it affects air transport. It commences with the chronology of the virus spread and examines the various facets of human existential perspectives affected by the pandemic. Following this background is an evaluation of the effect on trade and economics, as well as the legal and regulatory structure concerning communicable diseases applicable to air transport. There is also a detailed discussion on legal liabilities and responsibilities of the State, airlines, airports and public both collectively and individually in coping with the pandemic against the backdrop of public health and the law. The Conclusion contains various recommendations on proactive measures that could be taken to ensure the establishment of a credible and effective legal and regulatory system to combat future pandemics.

Dr. Ruwantissa Abeyratne has worked in the field of aviation law and management for more than 35 years. He is currently Senior Associate, Air Law and Policy at Aviation Strategies International in Montreal and Visiting Professor, Aviation Law and Policy at McGill University. At retirement from the International Civil Aviation Organization after 23 years of service at various senior positions in air transport and air law, Dr. Abeyratne was Coordinator, Air transport Programmes as well as Senior Legal Officer, heading the Treaty Office of ICAO. He also advised States on their registration and depository obligations with regard to international treaties and their adherence thereto and was General Counsel for ICAO staff members. Prior to his service at ICAO, Dr. Abeyratne was, for 8 years at Airlanka, serving the airline as Chief Coordinator and Head of International Relations and Insurance. Dr. Abeyratne, holds the degree of doctor of civil laws (DCL) from McGill University, the degree of doctor of philosophy (PhD) from the University of Colombo, the degree of master of laws (LL.M) from Monash University, Victoria, Australia, and the degree of bachelor of laws (LL.B) from the University of Colombo. He is the author of 35 books and over 425 journal articles on aerospace law and economics.