Reference no: EM132903737

Background

The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on global air transport is without precedent. Airports have seen a -28.4 per cent decline in global passenger traffic volumes for the first quarter of 2020, equivalent to a reduction of 612 million passengers in absolute terms. These volumes (domestic and international traffic) are expected to decrease by -50.4 per cent for 2020 as a whole as compared to 2019 figures. ICAO estimates that by the end of 2020, the COVID-19 impact on scheduled international passenger traffic could reach reductions of up to 71 per cent of seat capacity and up to 1.5 billion passengers' globally. Airlines and airports face a potential loss of revenue of up to USD 314 billion and USD 100 billion respectively, for 2020.

Overview

This document provides a framework for addressing the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the global aviation transportation system. The appendix to this document includes mitigations needed to reduce public health risk to air passengers and aviation workers while strengthening confidence among the travelling public, the global supply chain including, and governments. This will assist in accelerating demand for essential and non-essential air travel impacted by COVID-19. With help and guidance from the civil aviation stakeholder community, ICAO recommends a phased approach to enable the safe return to high-volume domestic and international air travel for passengers and cargo.

The approach introduces a core set of measures to form a baseline aviation health safety protocol to protect air passengers and aviation workers from COVID-19. These measures will enable the growth of global aviation as it recovers from the current pandemic. It is, however, important to recognize that each stage of that recovery will need a recalibration of these measures in support of the common objective, which is to safely enable air travel, to incorporate new public health measures into the aviation system, as well as to support economic recovery and growth. Our work must recognize the need to reduce public health risk while being sensitive to what is operationally feasible for airlines, airports and other aviation interests. This is essential to facilitate the recovery during each of the forthcoming stages.

Objectives

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, States, including government regulators, airports, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers among other stakeholders of the aviation ecosystem developed, in coordination with public health authorities, a set of measures aimed at reducing health risks to air travellers, aviation workers, and the general public. These measures, applicable to States, airport operators, airlines, and others in the air transport industry, are designed to enable a consistent and predictable travel experience. They will also contribute to the efficient, safe, secure, and sustainable transport by air of an increasing number of passengers and cargo and will minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission between and among these groups and the general public. The implementation of these measures will facilitate and strengthen the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Take-off: Guidance for Air Travel through the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART), IATA May 2020

Apparently, the spread of the COVID-19 seems no sign of stop. U.S. and some of the Western European Countries tighten their measures such as lockdown in order to help fight the pandemic as well as taking the time developing the COVID-19 vaccine. Medical experts and professional unanimously said that there would be another phase of resurge. The virus would become stronger and it showed significant mutation of the virus. There would be a long way to go for the recovery of world economy if it were the case.

Airlines in the world are taking different preventive measures to protect the health of the crew members and the passengers. On the other hand, the world airlines have started the belly cargo operations in order to transport the medical suppliers to different part of the world. The spaces in passengers' cabin are also occupied with boxes containing facial masks and other protective gears.

Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express commenced a flying activity called: Flycation. The public responses toward this innovative adventure are positive.

Presume you were the Director - Business Development in Hong Kong Airlines. You are asked to submit a report to the Board of Directors with a detailed plan to promote the "Flycation". This is not only a new way of generating revenue to the company, but it could also be an opportunity to treat those who are "hunger for flying".

You need to include in your report:

1) Frequencies of the flights such as how many flights you suggest to run, any deadline (last day of operations) of this plan

2) Details of the Flycation plan like what's included in the flying activity

3) Health and safety measures to fulfil the requirements of HKSAR Government / Department of Health

4) Parties to contact for smooth operations of the flights

5) The promotion of "Flycation" activities to the public