IATA estimates that for travel in Europe there would be a 49% rise. The increase would vary according to region. In Asia Pacific, for example, it would be 54%. The association maintains that the risk of virus transmission on board an aircraft is low, even without special measures. Keeping the middle seat free would, in any event, not achieve the recommended social distance, as the average width of a seat is under fifty centimetres.
The maximum load factor of an airline would decrease to 62%. The industry's average load factor is 77%. With fewer seats available to sell, the costs would shoot up. "If airlines were then not able to recover the costs with higher fares, they will fail. The world will need strong connectivity to help initiate recovery from the economic devastation of Covid-19."
IATA adds that tests indicate that the risk of transmission is low, thanks to passengers facing forward, the seats offering a protective barrier, and cabin air being constantly renewed. In the association's opinion, the use of masks by passengers and crew could reduce the already low risk of infection. De Juniac says: "The safety of passengers and crew is paramount. The aviation industry is working with governments to restart flights when this can be done safely. We will take measures, such as the use of masks. We must come up with a solution that gives passengers the confidence to fly and which keeps the cost of flying affordable."
Other measures being proposed by IATA are checking the temperatures of passengers and others at airports; boarding procedures that reduce contact between passengers and crew; limiting movement in cabins during flights; deeper and more constant cabin cleaning; and streamlined catering procedures.
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Don’t know if I am missing something here, and please feel free to correct me if I am but that would mean a family of 3 like mine who live together wouldn’t be able to sit together to keep the middle seat empty. Just makes no sense to me.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought one of the overall costs in flights was down to fuel consumption/weight. Thats what the airlines have been telling us for years and charging us for extra baggage on that assumption. So if there are less passengers and luggage the fuel consumption would drop thus cheaper tickets?
Social distancing 2 metres wouldn't be adhered too by not using the middle seat as the person behind you wouldn't be 2 metres away from the person in front - also passengers passing in the isle would pose a risk!