East Midlands Airport boss says there’s ‘real hope for the summer’
THE boss of East Midlands Airport has spoken out about ‘hope for the summer’ for many travellers following the roadmap announcement.
But Manchester Airports Group (MAG) chief executive Charlie Cornish said the travel industry’s recovery from “the biggest crisis we have ever faced will not happen overnight”.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the roadmap out of lockdown.
Mr Johnson discussed the re-opening of schools, pubs and beauty salons during his statement on Monday.
For now, non-essential international travel will remain banned and will not be allowed until May 17 at the earliest.
The chief executive at MAG, which owns and operates East Midlands Airport as well as Manchester and London Stansted airports, said he welcomed the news that overseas trips could resume in May.
Mr Cornish, said: “As the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, so much of our economy relies on global connectivity, and reopening our borders is key to getting our country back on its feet. “Government statistics show that the travel and tourism industry has been the hardest hit sector by the pandemic, with tens of thousands of jobs already lost and thousands more depending on its recovery. “That is why we strongly welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition that international travel is a key part of the Government’s road map – and that overseas trips could resume in May if circumstances allow. This prospect will give many people real hope for the summer ahead.
“The Global Travel Taskforce now has a vital job to do over the coming weeks to create a clear and deliverable plan for overseas travel ahead of the publication deadline of 12 April, so that people can start planning for the summer at the earliest opportunity.
“Despite this hugely important step in the right direction, we must not lose sight of the fact aviation will be one of the last sectors to reopen and our recovery from the biggest crisis we have ever faced will not happen overnight.
“Airports have suffered huge losses over the last year to stay open for emergencies, essential journeys and critical freight such as medical supplies and PPE.
“Next week’s Budget represents an immediate opportunity to acknowledge the unique plight of our sector, and its critical role in driving the recovery of the wider UK economy.
“Only by providing the same support that is already on offer to other industries, will Government enable our airports to help deliver its ambition for a balanced, global Britain as we emerge from this pandemic.”