Global airlines on Tuesday wrapped up their first meeting since COVID-19 brought their industry to its knees, voicing optimism about pent-up demand but desperate for governments to harmonize disjointed border rules to avoid slipping back into recession. The IATA said confusion over travel restrictions were holding back the industry's fragile recovery after the pandemic plunged air travel into its worst ever downturn. "People want to fly. We've seen strong evidence of that," said Director General Willie Walsh. "They can't fly because we have restrictions that are impeding international travel." IATA expects international travel to double next year compared with the depressed levels seen during the pandemic and reach 44% of pre-crisis 2019 levels. In contrast, domestic travel is tipped to reach 93% of the pre-pandemic levels. The trade group, which includes dozens of state-owned carriers, blamed that gap on wide variations in entry rules and testing requirements in the top 50 air travel markets. Even some of the airline and leasing company leaders trying to attend the industry's annual gathering in Boston were unable to travel or had to carve out extra time for quarantine. Airlines called for an end to restrictions on vaccinated travelers and for common health protocols at borders, though global coordination in aviation tends to move at a deliberate pace. IATA warned serious challenges remained for carriers, while venting frustration at airports and other suppliers for not doing enough to share the pain inflicted by the crisis.<br/>
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An IATA survey has revealed significant frustration with Covid-19 travel restrictions, and that air travellers believe the freedom of travel should be restored. The survey covered 4,700 respondents in 11 markets during September, and followed a similar survey in June. The updated survey shows that 67% of respondents feel that country borders should be open now, a full 12 percentage points higher than in June. Moreover, 64% felt border closers are unnecessary and are not effective containing coronavirus, up 11 percentage points in June. “People are increasingly frustrated with the COVID-19 travel restrictions and even more have seen their quality of life suffer as a result,” says IATA DG Willie Walsh. “They don’t see the necessity of travel restrictions to control the virus. And they have missed too many family moments, personal development opportunities and business priorities. In short, they miss the freedom of flying and want it restored. The message they are sending to governments is: Covid-19 is not going to disappear, so we must establish a way to manage its risks while living and traveling normally.”<br/>
Justin Trudeau is poised to announce details of the vaccine mandate for federally regulated industries he used as a wedge issue in his successful bid for a third term in Canada. The prime minister and his deputy, Chrystia Freeland, will make an announcement on the “Covid-19 situation” on Wednesday morning in Ottawa, according to itineraries released by their offices. A technical briefing with reporters will be held by officials from Transport Canada and the Treasury Board prior to their appearance. Before triggering an election in which he hoped to regain majority control of the legislature, Trudeau announced his government would make Covid-19 vaccines mandatory for for airline and rail passengers, transportation workers and federal employees. The incumbent Liberals attempted to use the issue against the rival Conservatives during the campaign, though were held to another minority in the Sept. 20 vote. In his first full press conference after the election last week, the prime minister said implementing the pledge would be a top priority. Trudeau and Freeland’s announcement will include details on the timing and enforcement of the vaccine mandate, according to reports Tuesday.<br/>
Dubai Airshow 2021 will be the biggest yet, as the aviation industry recovers from a turbulent spell brought about by the pandemic. About 1,200 exhibitors from 148 countries will take centre stage at Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, from November 14 to 18. More than 160 aircraft from around the globe will go on show, and dazzling military jet displays by Saudi Arabia, the US, Russia and the UAE’s own Al Fursan aerobatic team are expected to thrill visitors. As travel restrictions ease and countries continue to open up to travellers, the aviation trade fair is set to strike a hopeful note. “We are in a very, very strong position to provide the most unique and largest airshow than we’ve ever had before,” Timothy Hawes, managing director of its organiser, Tarsus Group, said on Tuesday.<br/>
Ambitious carbon-reduction goals have led airframers to pursue longer-term, more-revolutionary technologies rather than bringing incremental efficiency improvements to market faster, according to a top Airbus executive. Asked if Airbus might be able to launch a new-aircraft project sooner if not for broad interest in significantly cutting carbon output, Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer says, “Yes.” “The consciousness of needing to decarbonise our industry… should lead every rational observer to the conclusion that doing a new airplane with… current technology is not going to allow this ecosystem to meet the targets it has just, through the voice of IATA, underwritten today,” Scherer says. He spoke on 4 October during IATA’s World Air Transport Summit. Earlier the same day, IATA approved a resolution calling on the globe’s airline industry to achieve “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2050. The path to achieving that goal remains unclear, though the industry is pursuing hydrogen fuel and sustainable aviation fuel, both of which come with a fair share of challenges. Airbus has committed itself to hydrogen power. Scherer insists Airbus fully intends to meet its goal of introducing a hydrogen-powered airliner by the mid-2030s.<br/>