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Summary
- A new pilot scheme has been launched by US carrier United Airline, which has raised hopes for a travel corridor between London and New York
- The rapid testing will be carried out on all passengers and will be free of cost
- On 16 November, the first transatlantic flight will take off from New York to reach London
- United is scheduled to share customer feedback of this project with governments on both sides
Outgoing US President Donald Trump had banned flights between the UK, European Union and the US due to the pandemic outbreak. In a bid to reopen the business route between the two continents, the first Covid-19 free transatlantic flight operated by US carrier United Airlines will land at Heathrow on Tuesday morning.
Earlier, travellers with a special exemption could only visit the US. Similarly, the US was considered a “red country” by the British government, which meant that the Americans were required to move into a 14-day quarantine on arrival in the UK.
With the new flight, travellers are now optimistic that both the governments might reopen the London-New York travel corridor, which would boost the business scenario. Under this program, the airline will confirm that all passengers travelling on its flights have been tested negative for the Covid-19 virus. The trial would go on for a month, after which US carrier United Airlines will share the findings with the government officials in the US and the UK.
The rapid testing will be carried out on all passengers above the age of two and will be free of cost. The tests will be directed and regulated by Premise Health at the airline’s United Club near gate C93 which has been converted into an on-site facility at the Newark Airport in New York.
On 16 November, the first transatlantic flight will take off from New York City ‘s Newark Liberty International Airport and touch down at the Heathrow Airport, London. The UK airlines are also closely working with Heathrow Airport regarding their own Covid-free pilot.
Need For The Trial
The New York-London travel corridor is crucial as it is one of the world’s busiest routes. For British airline companies such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, the London to New York route is one of the most profitable routes.
United Airlines’ new pilot scheme has raised the hopes that if it turns out to be a success, it could allow both the governments to give a green signal to the travel and business corridor. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps are being pressurized by the aviation industry and business leaders to reopen this travel corridor.
Potential After Effects
Chief Customer Officer of United Airlines Toby Enqvist said that this trial would be able to provide fast and same day Covid-19 testing. Moreover, it might help in navigation of travel restrictions and quarantines, particularly to key international destinations like London and New York.
Increased use of rapid Covid-19 testing could cut down the present 14-day restriction and that can help frequent official trips in the coming months. The 14-day isolation was set up by British ministers. Last week, Shapps had notified that quarantine on landing in the UK is set to be reduced from 14 days after the second lockdown ends.
The aviation industry has been continuously urging the government to ease the travel restrictions who test negative for Covid-19. Slashing of the quarantine period could lead to a much-needed boost to the airlines and businesses dependent on air travel.
Heathrow Airport
Once considered as the busiest airport in Europe, Heathrow Ltd recently lost its crown to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France. In October, the Civil Aviation Authority had rejected the request of Heathrow to increase airport charges by £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion). A statement from the airport had stated that the increase in charges would help the airport authority in claiming the losses incurred during the coronavirus crisis.
Last week, the Heathrow airport was in the news after credit ratings agency Moody’s downgraded its financial rating along with that of the Gatwick airport located at West Sussex, England.
The Heathrow airport had taken a loan of more than £17 billion from various banks, bond holders and financial institutions, which was cited as the main reason for the downgrade, among other things.
