The development of a common approach in “COVID-compliant operational procedures” for airlines and airports are across all European States is vital in order to minimise the disruption and the cost of the pandemic, according to a study by EUROCONTROL.
The European air traffic control group did a study modelling a coordinated versus an uncoordinated approach to post-pandemic operational approaches and concluded the difference between the two scenarios is significant and highlights the need for policy integration.
“If airlines have to comply with one set of regulations on departure and another set when the flight arrives in another state, then this will be particularly onerous on the industry,” said the study.
A coordinated approach foresees a broad implementation in mid-June, picking up in July. If this is delayed then the forecast simply moves June to July and rolls on.
The analysis takes into account the views of many other leading entities, including ICAO, IATA, ACI and the IMF as well as direct contacts with the CEOs of major European airlines.
EUROCONTROL’s ‘Coordinated Measures’ Scenario is based on there being a common approach to putting in place operational procedures and lifting national restrictions versus an uncoordinated one.
Overall, the Coordinated Measures Scenario envisages a loss of 45% of flights (5 million) in 2020, while the Uncoordinated Measures Scenario would result in the loss of 57% of flights (6.2 million).