Due to improper governmental actions towards more vaccines, countries such as the US are receiving more and more tourists. Miami, Houston, and other states receive thousands of visitors, some with the sole purpose of getting vaccinated. With the rise of people getting their injections, many traveling agencies have now questioned if being vaccinated will be obligatory for air travel shortly.
Among other businesses, airlines have been one of the most perpetuated by the pandemic. In 2020, Travel Data “Cirium” reported that 43 commercial airlines have either completely ceased or suspended operations due to lack of demand. Consequently, direct aviation jobs (traffic managers, airport workers, etc) have fallen by 4.8 million, and supported jobs have been reduced by 52.8%.
(Photo: Sri Lankan Airlines)
In an attempt to rebound from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the CEO of “Qatar Airways” has reported vaccinations will likely be a trend in air travel. This middle eastern airline has also been hit; they have recently received a $2 billion bailout from their owner, the Qatari state.
“In the short term, yes, I think that the vaccine passport will be helpful to give confidence both to governments and to the passengers in our industry to start traveling again,” (Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker - CNBC).
Likewise, when asked about who should control the “vaccination passport” the CEO believes IATA “The international air transport association” should be responsible. While he waits, his airline has secured and already launched the first-ever Qatar Airways fully vaccinated flight, on “A350-1000”.
This “flight to nowhere” departed from Hamad International Airport, and made a 3.5-hour roundtrip above the Persian Gulf and Oman. It features new, innovative technologies, such as “zero-touch” in-flight entertainment. All passengers and staff are strictly vaccinated. They also enjoyed warm-meals, special amenity kits and even commemorative ticket holders and certificates claiming they were on the world’s first fully vaccinated plane!
Whilst the International Air Transport Association forecasts air travel to only return to its previous stage in 2024, Baker is confident his company and other airways will finally be able to rebound from the pandemic that bankrupted many of their competitors. Even Delta airlines have recently announced nonstop flights to Iceland from cities of the USA, only for travellers who have received the covid-19 vaccinations.
This vision creates great news worldwide, as the rebound of air travel could be a major key to boost economies, as they are not only the main door for tourism but could also bring back Latin American airline companies such as Avianca. Consequently, our destination places increase.
Akbar considers this the only key to giving customers the confidence they need to travel. He claims this trend will happen until people believe there is a proper cure. Whilst this is undoubtedly true, and air travel will be much safer, critics argue this will only worsen the inequity between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd world countries. Poor inoculation campaigns in these countries will deteriorate their nation’s access.
So, will their rivals follow their footsteps and have planes where vaccination is required for travel, or is it too soon? Only the future will know.
Camila. G
Bibliography:
Natasha Turak, C. (2021, April 07). Qatar Airways CEO Says COVID Vaccines likely to be required for Travel: 'this will be The Trend. Retrieved April 11, 2021, from NBC
Ng, A. (2020, October 08). Over 40 airlines have failed so far this year - and more are set to come. Retrieved April 11, 2021, from CNBC
Qatar Airways Operates First Fully COVID-19 Vaccinated Flight. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2021, from TravelPulse
The Impact of Covid-19 on Aviation(n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2021, from IATA
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