The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has again
called for the development and implementation of a global coronavirus testing
system for air passengers, this time backing pre-departure rapid tests as an
alternative to quarantine measures.
The trade body said it would work through the International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and with health authorities to implement the
solution, which it said needs to be “rapid, accurate, affordable,
easy-to-operate, scalable and systematic”.
IATA claims its public opinion research revealed strong
support for testing as part of the travel process, with 84 per cent of
passengers saying it should be a requirement for all travellers. Eighty-eight
per cent said they would be willing to undergo a test themselves, and 65 per
cent agreed that quarantine should not be required if the test comes back
negative for Covid-19.
The organisation said testing passengers before departure
would create a “clean” environment throughout the travel process, adding that
testing on arrival “dents passenger confidence” due to the fear of facing
quarantine if they test positive after landing.
Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of IATA, said: “By calling for the
establishment of a global approach to Covid-19 testing for all passengers
before departure we are sending a clear signal of aviation’s needs. In the
meantime, we are gaining practical knowledge from the testing programmes that
already exist as part of the various travel bubble or travel corridor
initiatives around the world. We must continue with these valuable programmes,
which move us in the right direction by building testing experience,
facilitating essential travel and demonstrating testing effectiveness.”
According to IATA, international air travel is down 92 per
cent on 2019 levels more than half a year since the start of the Covid-19
pandemic. While some countries have reopened their borders, quarantine
requirements and other restrictive measures have impacted demand and caused a
slower uptake in travel than initially expected. Lost revenues are expected to
exceed US$400 billion, and the worldwide industry was predicted to post a
record net loss of $80 billion in 2020 in a “more optimistic rebound scenario
than has actually unfolded”, said IATA. This is putting at least 65.5 million
jobs at risk globally, according to the organisation.