We do not seek discount but only an extension for payment to airlines: ACAAI President

IATA has decided not to give any extension for fortnightly freight to airlines through its CASS program. Calling it not a trade friendly move, Sunil Arora, President, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI), says, “The freight forwarding industry is already suffering due to the entire EXIM under lockdown. All payments from clients are blocked. In such scenario, how IATA and their member airlines can expects us to pay freight on time? Our member community is not in a position to meet the CASS calendar for freight payment to airlines. It establishes, once again, that IATA is inconsiderate towards its approved agents. IATA has asked for relief from government of India on various grounds but want agents to pay on time and no extension is even granted. ACAAI has requested government to intervene and ask IATA and Air India to consider our plea.”
In fact, we feel they would be able to secure their freight payment by allowing extension of time. The trade is not asking discounts waivers or financial help on salaries etc but just little grant of time. This does not signify principal to principal relationship but seems like master to slave scenario. India is one of the biggest markets worldwide for IATA members and still Pakistan and Bangladesh and many other jurisdictions have got relief from IATA, then why not India?