The ‘New Normal’ in the Aviation Industry

By Fimma Putri Noviandrarini, AUN intern;

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all industries in the world to adapt. The ‘New normal’ is used to describe the new status quo, meaning a new way of living. Health protocols and physical distancing rules are implemented in all industries in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Aviation is one of the most affected industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions that are imposed by most of the governments around the world have become a huge challenge for the industry. Many airlines have not survived and are now bankrupt. Thai Airways is one of the airlines that has filed for bankruptcy due to the pandemic, all while the Aviation industry continues to decline. It is estimated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that the global aviation industry will lose $63 billion of revenue in a scenario where COVID-19 is contained and $113 billion of revenue in a scenario with a broader spreading of COVID-19.

To overcome the challenges, the aviation industry attempts to adjust to the new normal by implementing new strategies and regulations. The IATA has set guidelines for safe flying during the pandemic, such as providing pre-flight health and travel history information, mandatory wearing of masks, multiple screenings at the airport, and leaving the airplane middle seat empty. These measures are not only to minimize the COVID-19 spread, these procedures are also used to rebuild passenger confidence to travel with airlines. A lot of people are afraid of being in a closed space with many people.

It remains uncertain when the pandemic will end, but one thing is certain: all industries must adapt with the new normal to keep it running. New normal measures, health and safety guidelines during pandemic have been introduced to ensure the crews’ and passengers’ safety. This will be a key factor in regaining passenger confidence in airlines.