Aviation: Inconsistent and Complicated Border Restrictions Serious Impediments to Recovery

Asia-Pacific airlines are preparing for a smooth, successful and widespread resumption of air travel as soon as governments relax border controls.

The restart of international air travel has been delayed following the recent surge in COVID19 infections, while the global roll-out of vaccination programmes will take time, effectively extinguishing hopes for an early recovery in air travel.

Air travel has declined further since November 2020 and the resulting cash crunch for airlines has been severe as the pandemic wears on.

Airlines have been playing a frontline role in the fight against COVID by repatriating citizens and residents, transporting medical resources, humanitarian aid and now vaccines, which are critical to saving lives and global recovery.

Together with critical safety considerations, the industry recognises that technological solutions including “smart” apps for contactless travel, as well as its environmental impact are top of mind for today’s traveller.

Combining established safety-focused remote training, inspection, audit and certification applications, airlines are keeping their airplane and crew resources, current and ready for restarting operations as well as for meeting stringent regulatory requirements. These abilities and attitudes are continuously honed through cross industry collaboration and commitment.

To make air travel convenient, safe and predictable for its passengers, the industry is actively seeking consumer-friendly technological solutions in the form of a digital travel pass combining various essential elements, including traveller identification, health certification, border control authorization and public health information. The digitalised application allows contactless and seamless travel, while addressing privacy and security concerns with the relevant secure data management protocols.

Touchless, self-service capabilities are also recognised to be a high priority amongst travellers.

Subhas Menon, the Director General of AAPA said, “Pent-up demand is evident from the surge in bookings whenever the easing of travel restrictions is initiated, even fleetingly, as in the case of the aborted Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble. But the inconsistent and oftentimes complicated nature of border restrictions will be a serious impediment to recovery unless we can offer a solution for travellers to navigate and fulfil these requirements conveniently. The industry is working with various stakeholders to make seamless air travel a reality again.”

“Safety and sustainability are the cornerstones of aviation. The well-being of the industry, our customers and the future of aviation rests on these core values, which put the industry in good stead, as we prepare for a new travel reality beyond COVID19,” added Mr. Menon.

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