The imposition of social-distancing measures on commerical flights would mean an end to “cheap travel”, according to IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac. “It is very clear that if social-distancing is imposed inside the aircraft it will neutralise a huge proportion of seats – at least a third – for short- and mid-haul aircraft,” de Juniac states during a briefing by the airline industry association today.
During the same briefing, IATA chief economist Brian Pearce notes that the need for social-distancing on flights is not guaranteed and “will really depend… on health requirements” imposed by governments as travel restrictions are lifted.
Flight - Social-distancing on flights would end cheap travel: IATA