UK set to adopt new flight safety guidance


Ian Taylor O


perators, airlines and airports are gearing up to resume holiday flights, with airports trialling new processes and the European


Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) issuing guidance on limiting Covid-19 risks when travelling. Heathrow began testing thermal screening of


arrivals at Terminal 2 immigration this week and called on the government to “take a lead in agreeing a common international standard for aviation health”. All Heathrow staff will wear face masks from this


week, with face coverings distributed to passengers on request. Face masks appear set to become mandatory,


with Easa recommending they be “strongly considered” for passengers, staff and crew. The Easa guidance, which is likely to be finalised


this week and adopted by the UK despite Brexit, dismisses thermal screening as an effective control method, noting “an estimated 75% of infected passengers will exit or enter the country without being detected”. But Easa suggests screening may “help dissuade ill persons from travelling and enhance public confidence”. The agency emphasises “physical distancing”


as the most-important measure “wherever operationally feasible”, and describes face masks as “only a complementary measure”. However, Ryanair chief executive Michael


O’Leary claimed: “Face masks are effective in all transport situations and the only way to allow some return to normal economic activity. Face masks would eliminate 98% of the spread of Covid-19.” On Monday, O’Leary noted “a lot of European


countries opening” and said: “Once people start to move, it will largely be on a pan-European basis.” In a move likely to upset Ryanair, Easa will


recommend carriers limit carry-on allowances to one bag and incentivise passengers to check bags in. A senior industry source said: “The last thing


Heathrow is introducing thermal screening


the industry wants is to do something not right from a health point of view. [But] people don’t know what good practice will be. They want the


government and its advisors to say what is best.” i Easa guidance, back page


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ndustry leaders have dismissed fears of prices rising beyond the reach of many consumers following the Covid-19 crisis, with Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary going so far as to predict a “torrid


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pricing environment”. O’Leary said on Monday: “There will be aggressive


price stimulation. We’ll face a very strong return of passenger volumes but in a weakened pricing environment. Fares are going to be significantly lower.” Ryanair plans to resume up to 50% of flights from


July. O’Leary said: “We think we can stimulate an awful lot of bookings. We think load factors will be higher than expected because airfares will be very low and you’ll have hoteliers trying to grab some summer business. There is going to be a torrid pricing environment.” O’Leary forecast: “Summer 2021 will be incredibly


strong, but at lower prices. We’ll return to normal pricing by summer 2022 so long as there is no return of Covid-19.” Tui group chief executive Fritz Joussen also dismissed fears of higher prices, saying: “I don’t believe we will see


Avalon Waterways plans cruise resumption from September 1


Scenic extends suspension of tours and cruises to August 31 and Scenic Eclipse sailings to September 30.


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Royal Caribbean puts up 28 ships as collateral for $3.2bn bond


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‘pent-up demand’ for travel and notes drop in all-inclusive interest


Friday, May 15 O


Sandals says agents with 2020 Chairman Royal Club membership or Sandals Specialist status will have it carried over to 2021 O Just You launches Amazing


6


21 MAY 2020


travelweekly.co.uk


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