Managing Fiscal Risks from National Airlines in Pacific Island Countries

By Vybhavi Balasundharam, Leni Hunter, Iulai Lavea, Paul G Seeds

July 9, 2021

Preview Citation

Format: Chicago

Vybhavi Balasundharam, Leni Hunter, Iulai Lavea, and Paul G Seeds. Managing Fiscal Risks from National Airlines in Pacific Island Countries, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2021) accessed December 21, 2024

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

Pacific island countries (PICs) rely on national airlines for connectivity, trade, and tourism. These airlines are being struck hard by COVID-19. Losses will weigh on public sector balance sheets and pose risks to economic recovery. With a backdrop of tight fiscal space and increasing government debt, losses in airlines are adding to fiscal risks in some PICs. This paper discusses tools to evaluate and manage the fiscal risks from national airlines in the Pacific. We present a snapshot of the current state of Public Financial Management (PFM) practices in PICs and detail the best practices. This exercise would illustrate the areas in which PICs have scope to improve their risk management with regard to national airlines. We then discuss the use of diagnostic tools and capacity development to enhance monitoring and risk management. Greater transparency and accountability in the airlines, combined with rigorous oversight, would be the first step towards improved financial management of national airlines.

Subject: Budget planning and preparation, COVID-19, Economic sectors, Financial statements, Fiscal risks, Health, Public enterprises, Public financial management (PFM)

Keywords: Airline Support, B. airline planning process, Budget planning and preparation, COVID-19, D. budget execution consideration, Financial statements, Financial support, Fiscal risks, National Airlines, Pacific Islands, PFM perspective, Public enterprises

Publication Details

Pages:

27
Volume:

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DOI:

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Issue:

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Series:

Working Paper No. 2021/183
Stock No:

WPIEA2021183
ISBN:

9781513588865
ISSN:

1018-5941

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