The chief government of the Air Asia Group says the aviation sector may return to regular in about three months, if governments ditch quarantine and PCR testing. Tony Fernandes says if countries can re-open without such requirements, demand will rise significantly. According to a Bangkok Post report, Air Asia has sold over 300,000 tickets to Langkawi since the island re-opened.
“If Unbelievable re-open tomorrow with no quarantine and PCR check, we shall be back to normal by 3 months.”
Fernandes says governments must make choices based on an acceptance of dwelling with Covid-19, particularly within the wake of mass vaccination and new treatments now coming to market. He needs the Asia-Pacific region to observe in the footsteps of Europe and the US.
“Asia-Pacific is behind Europe and the US. But I am optimistic as Singapore, Thailand, and more have started to re-open.”
The Air Asia boss adds that it may take between 6 and 9 months for his airline to recuperate to pre-pandemic levels, significantly if China continues to pursue a Covid Zero technique. In this instance, the country is prone to be the last Asian vacation spot to re-open to international air journey.
Fernandes has considerations about tourism in the area if employees continue to leave to take up work in other sectors. He says if these employees don’t return to tourism as quickly as the recovery begins, resorts and vacationer attractions will struggle to get employees. In the case of Air Asia, he says the service intends to resume full salary funds for employees inside the next month. In the case of workers on furlough, Air Asia must be ready to convey them back to work from January. After a protracted dark period for aviation, Fernandes believes the end is in sight.
“There is a protracted way to go, but we’re again.”
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SOURCE: Bangkok Post