The future of safe air travel

Many airlines have decided to stop imposing physical distancing policies on their flights, which is causing many air travellers not feeling eager to take off. 

To get more passengers on flights in the future, Marion Joppe, Professor, School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, University of Guelph, said it is a matter of education. 

“On the risks involved, and where they are most likely to become infected.” 

Joppe mentioned the economics of airlines is quite tough. 

“When they drop below 70 per cent capacity they lose money, I mean they just don't make it.” 

This means when they leave seats empty or remove them to allow a safe distance it makes it difficult for them to break even. 

“The seats have become so narrow … so what does that do for a safe distance? That's not social distancing,” she said. 

Looking towards the future, Joppe said ticket prices can increase. “Possibly not in the immediate future, because they are desperate for passengers to come back.” 

Joppe added airlines are currently only flying at five to 10 per cent of what they had last year.