We’re ready – passengers can fly with confidence, IATA

We’re ready – passengers can fly with confidence, IATA

ACI EUROPE (Airports Council International), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E), representing Europe’s airports and airlines, welcomed and amplified the European Commission’s call for the complete lifting on 15 June of remaining intra-EU travel restrictions (including quarantines), as well as its proposed approach for starting to phase out restrictions for travel from/to other countries as of 1 July.

The three aviation associations urged all EU and associated States to follow through on the Commission’s advice, pointing to the comprehensive aviation health and safety Protocol now in place – jointly developed by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) and aligned with the global guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

As the lifting of intra-European travel and border restrictions related to COVID-19 allows passenger traffic to resume, airports and airlines are implementing enhanced biosafety measures at every step of the passenger journey, making the airport and aircraft environments exceptionally sanitized and controlled public spaces.

Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe said: “Safety is the top priority. Health and industry experts have created the guidance needed for a safe re-start of aviation and preserve the livelihoods of 9.4 million jobs across the European Union. The Commission’s recommendation to open the Schengen borders is based on this guidance. States must now follow the Commission and fully restore the free movement of people within the EU as of next week. They also need to work hand-in-hand to start lifting travel restrictions with the wider world as per the risk-based and targeted approach set out by the Commission.”

The latter was fully recognized by EASA – as the safety agency reiterated its support of the aviation industry’s restart. EASA especially emphasized the confidence that passengers can have in the health and safety measures in place throughout Europe.

Original source: IATA
Published on 12 June 2020