Several European aviation associations have partnered to
promote with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to promote a “consistent
and safe travel experience for passengers” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The campaign includes participation from the International
Air Transport Association (IATA), Airlines For Europe (A4E), European Regions
Airline Association (ERA) and the European Business Aviation Association
(EBAA). It is calling on airports, airlines and operators to adopt standard
protocols to ensure a safe return to operations across Europe.
According to the associations, the guidelines address the
entire passenger journey at the departure airport, on board the aircraft and at
arrival. They include the use of high-efficiency particular air (HEPA) filters
in aircraft cabins, which sterilise the air within the cabin to hospital
operating theatre standard, as well as enhanced cleaning procedures, changes to
in-flight services and the requirement for passengers and crew to wear a face
mask or covering at all times throughout their journey.
The guidelines were developed by the EASA in partnership
with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and released
in May. Similar recommendations were issued by the International Civil Aviation
Authority (ICAO) in June.
More than 60 airlines, airports and other aviation operators
have signed up to a charter to follow the EASA’s recommendations and monitor
their implementation.
Thomas Reynaert, MD of A4E, said: “This crisis has revealed
the importance of co-operation, communication and a harmonised approach. The
latter continues to prove challenging both for airlines and our passengers, as
[EU] member states implement differing health and travel measures.”
EASA executive director Patrick Ky commented: “The
endorsement of our guidelines by IATA, A4E, EBAA and ERA establishes these
procedures as the standard for the European aviation industry. Consistent
implementation of the guidelines is critical to rebuilding passenger
confidence, which is in turn fundamental for a decision to travel by air,
whether for leisure or for business.
“It is important that national authorities play their part
in ensuring the guidelines are followed and avoid unilaterally introducing measures
which create inconsistencies. All industry players, every employee and the
travelling public themselves need to follow the same guidelines at every step
of the journey from airport to destination so as to create a safe environment
for all.”