Four leading airlines have gotten together to ask the U.S. and the EU to set up a joint Covid-19 testing program for travelers as a way to open up more trans-Atlantic travel, a key air route that’s been heavily impacted by pandemic restrictions.
The letter, sent Tuesday to Vice President Mike Pence and EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson, was signed by chief executives of United Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa and International Airlines Group. IAG’s British Air and Iberia brands are Oneworld members; Lufthansa and United are leading Star Alliance members. IAG also includes Aer Lingus.
Because of the pandemic, and the U.S. not being included in the EU’s list of countries that travelers can enter Europe from without quarantine, the airlines are suffering severe losses in what is a key market for all of them. All have warned employees to expect large layoffs if travel continues restricted.
The letter states that “Given the unquestioned importance of transatlantic air travel to the global economy as well as to the economic recovery of our businesses, we believe it is critical to find a way to re-open air services between the U.S. and Europe.” A testing program would allow passengers to enter in a manner similar to Iceland’s program that allows tested travelers, without regard to where they are arriving from.
