Airlines seek gate checks for virus to revive foreign travel

A coalition of international airline and aviation groups is calling on US government leaders to help set Covid-19 testing protocols to assuage passenger concerns and boost severely depressed international travel. In a letter to three cabinet secretaries signed by 18 groups, they call on the government to set up “a globally accepted framework for testing protocols for international travel.” The plea comes as the US and UK are discussing virus protections aimed at reopening travel between the two countries. “Coordinated and deliberate action must be taken to safely reopen the international travel market,” the letter said. “A collaborative approach between governments and industry will help to ensure the development of standardized measures that promote needed consistency across the aviation system. The industry groups acknowledged that the issue of Covid-19 testing is complex and, at times, controversial. But the groups said that is all the more reason for the government to become involved to help evaluate the protocols and their potential value. Groups signing the letter include the US Chamber of Commerce, the Aerospace Industries Association and the IATA.<br/>