COVID-19 pushes airlines to explore ways to encourage seamless travel, says GlobalData

Mathew George, Ph.D., Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

"Etihad Airways' new scheme will bring customers back and help rebuild confidence in air travel for customers, governments and staff on these aircraft. With increased safety and hygiene measures, reduction of capacity and facilities to deal with social distancing, airlines are now having to differentiate their offerings to highlight the safety of their services.

"Etihad's collaboration will allow customers to have all the required documents when traveling to certain destinations. Creating that space where customers trust their airlines is a major exercise with companies often sharing videos and information on regular cleaning, sanitization and onboard filtration services being highlighted. While we will have to wait a bit more to see how these steps will change the offerings available to customers, it looks positive in the short-term.

"Emirates has also taken some precautions by providing a complimentary travel hygiene kit containing gloves, a face mask, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer, as well as requiring all its staff to wear PPE. According to GlobalData, 45% of Generation X in the UAE remain 'extremely concerned' about COVID-19. Generation X is more risk averse than younger generations due to greater concerns surrounding health and safety. Within this demographic, over a third of respondents 'strongly agree' they have had to change or cancel upcoming domestic (22%) and international (38%) plans. Providing PPE equipment, and giving access to and necessary insight and updates on measures to mitigate COVID-19 and ensure high standards of hygiene will benefit carriers in the coming months."

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