Corona measures in air transport urgently need to be harmonized
The federal government is saving Swiss aviation from a crash with loan guarantees worth billions, but is depriving it of any planning security due to the internationally non-harmonized corona measures. Aerosuisse is therefore calling on the Federal Council to harmonize the measures with neighbouring countries and to be more proportionate - only then will passengers be able to book flights again and the airlines be able to repay the loans one day.
The Corona Pandemic has plunged aviation worldwide into the biggest crisis in its 100-year history. The essential structures of aviation in Switzerland have been secured with federal aid. However, after a successful restart in the summer, booking figures have now plummeted again due to the inconsistent measures taken to contain the epidemic. Customers are unsettled and are not flying.
More planning security is essential
The very short-term adjustments, for example to the list of risk countries, have a massive impact on passenger booking behavior. They also do not allow airlines to take the necessary precautions. "Proportionality should also be given greater weight. We are currently finding that this is not the case. Certain Measures of the BAG are maneuvering Swiss air traffic into difficulties without need," says National Councillor Thomas Hurter, President of Aerosuisse.
Concrete demands to the Federal Council
Aerosuisse has written to four federal councillors and specifically demands that Covid-19 test centers be set up at national airports for departing and arriving passengers. The recognition of a negative result must be Shortening or lifting the quarantine obligation lead. In addition, the long overdue digital replacement for the passenger localization forms that are still distributed in paper form today should be implemented.
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