THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
A new global airline passenger survey has found that nine in ten Americans expect their travel routines to change in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The research, carried out by satellite communication firm Inmarsat, asked almost 10,000 travelers from 12 different countries for their views on the future of air travel.
Of all the respondents, 41% said they plan to “travel less frequently by any means”, while 31% said they plan to reduce their air travel use.
Among US respondents, 43% said they plan to travel less frequently by any means, while 36% say they will travel less by plane. A similar trend could be seen in the UK, where 42% of Brits said they would travel less by any means, with 31% saying they would fly less.
The research also found that business travelers are most likely to be changing their approach to international travel, with 40% saying they will travel less frequently by air.
Explaining the results, Philip Balaam, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said that “Our 'Passenger Confidence Tracker' reveals a fascinating global shift in travel behaviour, which could see air travel reshaped entirely. Interestingly, the survey finds that people in the United States are among the most confident to get on a plane in the short term – and yet almost unanimously, they foresee a long-term shift in their travel habits as a result of the pandemic.”
The study follows the recent launch of the UK’s Test and Release system, which is aimed at boosting international travel. From this week, passengers flying to Britain from America will only need to quarantine for 5 days before taking a Covid-19 test. If negative, the individual can end their quarantine early.
To see the full Inmarsat study, go to www.inmarsataviation.com.
