Yahoo Finance UK urged to copy Italian “air hubs” to save aviation
The government needs to step up efforts to build “air hubs” to save the more than 500,000 jobs in the UK aviation industry, including a more solid testing regime.
That’s the view of industry leaders, one day after Delta Air Lines and Alitalia said they are poised to launch “quarantine free” flights from the US to Italy.
They will be first such trips between the US and Europe since travel restrictions were enforced.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “The only way to fully reopen vital trading and travel links, support the UK’s economic recovery and protect more than 500,000 jobs supported by aviation, is to move to a robust pre-departure testing regime to safely replace quarantine as soon as possible.”
Airlines want quarantines at least cut to five days and eventually removed, instead being replaced by pre-departure tests. Air and oil stocks have rallied in the last few weeks on investor hopes that vaccines will make holidays and business travel a normal part of life once again.
Virgin added: “Passengers should be able to take a test from up to 72 hours before departure, including a rapid test at the airport on the day of departure. Valid tests should include PCR, Rapid Point of Care LAMP and lateral flow technologies used by government in other settings, with no diversion from NHS testing capacity. We call on the Government to follow the evidence, support industry trials, and lead the way in allowing free movement of people and goods to resume.”
The airline said today it will begin a new pre-departure Covid-19 testing trial on selected Barbados flights from London Heathrow from 9 December.
A Heathrow spokesperson said:
"Safely reopening trade links with the US is a fundamental part of rebuilding Britain’s economy – every week that passes with no airbridge is costing British businesses £212 million in lost trade. The first US unilateral airbridge opening to one of the UK’s European rivals on the eve of Brexit sends a disastrous message to the rest of the world about Britain’s ambition. We have the technology and capability at Heathrow to open the first reciprocal transatlantic airbridge – we just need both governments to give us the green light.”
Booking firm Not Just Travel today reported a 62% surge in sales this week.
Not Just Travel Co-founder Steve Witt said: “We have seen a massive spike in bookings this week – there’s been a surge in public positivity. People want to travel, they want adventures, they desperately want to spend time with family and friends, and they want something to look forward to.”
Warwick Brady, CEO Stobart Group, the owners of London Southend Airport, said: “As the vaccine will take time to roll-out, pre-flight testing is essential to restore consumer confidence. A coordinated Europe wide approach is required to get people travelling again.”
