The bosses of five major carriers, including easyJet, Virgin Atlantic, Jet2.com and Tui, all called for aviation to be included in the government’s roadmap, which is due to be announced by Johnson on Monday (22 February).
During an online press conference organised by industry organisation Airlines UK, the chief executives called for a “clear view on the path to international travel” from the government.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, added: “We do not expect travel restrictions to be lifted tomorrow. A risk-based phased easing of border restrictions, based on scientific evidence, can enable travel to restart once it is safe to do so.
“The prime minister’s announcement on 22 February is an opportunity to give clarity to consumers and airlines so we can prepare for the summer.”
Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive Shai Weiss added: “Restrictions can be applied on a country-by-country basis – countries can move up and down through this framework.
“We stand ready to work with the government to establish the right health criteria – just as is being done to enable schools, retail and hospitality to reopen.”
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said that the government needed to create “some certainty” by including aviation in the Covid recovery road map.
“Having a holiday or break from the day-to-day routine is good for people’s mental health,” he added. “It would be very good for people to have a break to recharge their batteries.”
Heapy also stressed that the industry would need “a number of weeks” notice to be able to resume flights and holidays.
“It takes a lot of organisation for us to operate – it’s not like getting into your car and just driving off,” he said. “Aviation cannot be consigned into the ‘too hard to deal with’ pot.”
Tui’s chief executive of markets and airlines David Burling said the industry “absolutely needs to be part of the announcement next week”.
“What we need from government is a ‘can do’ attitude,” he added. “We need something that balances the risk but maximises the opportunity for people to have a break and have some enjoyment this summer after what’s been a miserable year for most people.
“Summer is so disproportionately important for the travel industry and there’s a need to put confidence into this industry and give the industry the best chance for summer.”
Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive of regional airline Loganair, urged the government to offer economic support to the industry in areas such as APD, extension of furlough for employees, and helping airlines to cope with the rising “burden of debt” they have had to take on to get through the pandemic.
