Aviation and travel industries face harsh winter, warns boss of AirAsia’s booking app

The aviation and travel industries are facing a harsh winter with demand for holidays still blighted by the coronavirus pandemic, though the green shoots of recovery – particularly in Asia – are offering the sector some hope, according to the head of AirAsia.com. “It’s going to be a deep, harsh winter, there’s going to be convergence. For aviation and travel to survive there is a need to collaborate, instead of compete,” said Karen Chan, CEO of the Malaysia-based low-cost carrier’ app for booking flights on Wednesday. Globally, 43 commercial airlines had gone under this year as of October, according to travel data firm Cirium, making it likely that the number will exceed the 46 that either ceased or suspended operations in 2019. But with several Asian countries cautiously restarting limited travel, Chan said the region is poised to lead the recovery. This is a positive development for the airline, given that besides Malaysia its markets include India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Hong Kong and Singapore have established the world’s first travel bubble, allowing residents of the cities to travel without the mandatory two-week quarantine, subject to health protocols. Thailand has also recently allowed a handful of tourists from China to be its first visitors in seven months. Borders, Chan said, are forecast to be re-opened either in Q2 or H2 of 2021. She said AirAsia has partnered with online travel site Trip.com and is collaborating with hotel operator Marriott International to ensure that travellers regain the confidence to take holidays again. <br/>