MAG statement on aviation testing and support for the industry

Charlie Cornish, CEO, MAG, said:

“To support a strong recovery in air travel next year, consumers and businesses will need widespread access to rapid and affordable tests when they return from countries where quarantine requirements apply.

“The regime the Government has announced from 15 December is a good first step towards getting our country flying again. The ability to reduce quarantine time by more than a week will make travel easier and start to give people confidence to book trips in the weeks ahead.

“To be world-leading, the Government must now work quickly with the aviation industry to refine the regime and introduce faster and cheaper tests, as well as innovative measures to further shorten or eliminate the need to self-isolate.

“The latest public health analysis shows that shorter quarantine periods are actually more effective, particularly when they are accompanied by rapid turnaround tests that get people their results quickly.

“Coupled with a dedicated financial support package, that is what is needed to kick-start the recovery of the aviation sector and protect as many jobs as possible. With that in mind, news of relief from business rates for airports in England - as seen elsewhere in the UK and in other sectors of the economy - is a welcome development and we look forward to hearing further information.”