$63 billion to keep aviation workers employed. Here are the numbers.

Air travel was restricted during the pandemic, putting aviation jobs at risk. To help keep airline workers employed, the Pandemic Relief for Aviation Workers Payroll Support Program has provided $63 billion to passenger and cargo airlines and aviation contractors since March 2020. 

Under the CARES Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act: 

• Passenger airlines received $54 billion 
• Cargo airlines will receive up to $4 billion 
• Aviation contractors received $5 billion 

The companies can only use the funds to pay employee wages, salaries, and benefits. 

Employment figures from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics