Post Pandemic Flying

                                                   

                    With most of the world still grappling with pandemic and its effects, it is no secret that flying in the post pandemic era is going to be a lot different than what it was in 2019. Its effects are not just limited to passenger experience but also in ways how airlines function. Lets take a look at how flying can most likely change in the post pandemic era.

PASSENGER EXPERIENCE

                   Anyone who follows aviation or has basic knowledge about recent developments in the aviation industry might know about the requirement for passengers to wear a face mask at all times right from entering the airport to boarding a plane and leaving the aircraft. With more and more airlines making it compulsory for passengers to wear a mask (they are even letting go of certain exemptions they had with this rule), it can be easily estimated that wearing a mask while flying might become a part of new normal. Also, airports around the world are trying to maintain health and social distancing protocols wherever possible. Airlines are also trying to change the way they provide passengers with meals during the flight. Most airlines provide lunch/dinner or snacks in single use containers instead of reusable ones. There was even a time when they completely stopped providing meals onboard a flight. However, in-flight meals are sure to make a comeback, it just remains to be seen how the airlines manage it.

AIRLINE SETUP

                  With passenger numbers at an all time low it is not surprising to see all major airlines reporting a loss, that too in billions of dollars. Although passenger numbers are improving, they are still 90% below than what they were a year ago. As the passenger numbers are bound to remain low and with many speculating the demand to take atleast three to four years to reach pre-pandemic levels, many airlines are bound to operate at much lower levels than what they did previously. Many big airlines have grounded a majority of their fleets. As the demand recovers, many aircrafts are coming out their hibernation and joining regular services. However its still a long road ahead for airlines to operate their complete fleets. This has also resulted in many airlines retiring their older models in favour of fuel efficient models. This has resulted in many airlines reducing their fleet and also saving on their fuel expenses. 

TWIN JETS IN FAVOUR OF QUAD JETS

                As fuel related cost make up more than half of airlines operating costs and airlines trying their best save on whatever they can, its quite obvious that many airlines have retired or are in the process of retiring their four-engine airplanes. Its not tough to see why. Four engine jets require lot more fuel than twin jets. Also most of these airplanes have hundreds of seats in them which is simply not possible to fill at the moment. High fuel consumption along with empty seats is a deadly combination for airlines and their profits. Hence, aircrafts like Boeing 747, Airbus A 380 and Airbus A340 are slowly making their way out. They are being replaced by other fuel efficient models like Airbus A330neo series, Airbus A350, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787. These planes provide airlines with the same range, seats, passenger comforts and flexibility along with the added bonus of fuel related cost savings

REGIONAL JETS WILL LEAD THE WAY

                As mentioned earlier, with passenger numbers at an all time low, airlines are finding it difficult to fill in their planes. Each empty seat means a loss to the airline. Every plane, no matter how small requires a certain number of seats to be full to be able to operate their flights profitably. Bigger the plane,more the number of occupied seats it requires. This is the very reason why small regional jets are going to be crucial while airlines are on their way to recovery. Regional jets such as Embraer E-series jets, ATR 42 and 72, Airbus A220 and others might just lead the way to recovery. These planes can operate efficiently and just about help airlines generate much needed revenue during these difficult times. Planes like Embraer E series and Airbus A220 might also just provide the range needed for certain medium haul international or some long domestic routes which were originally served with bigger aircraft like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Hence, don't be surprised to see a regional jet replace your regular narrow body plane in the near future.

DOMESTIC BEFORE INTERNATIONAL

                 With many speculating when air travel will recover (speculations ranging from much optimistic 2021 to much more dismal 2024), one thing everyone can be sure is that domestic travel is going to recover much faster than international travel. Many international travel restrictions are still in place and many countries are re-imposing the previously removed restrictions. Domestic travel has also showed signs of recovering well in many countries. In many countries, international travel is mainly restricted to essential travel and/or for permanent residents. Hence many airlines are much more focused on their short term domestic route plans than focusing on international expansion

                 As anyone can see these are the major changes and trends that could be seen in the near future in the airline industry. There are many other smaller changes that might take place which are not covered above. Feel free to share any other factors you think might change with respect to have aviation functions. 

NOTE: I am just another aviation enthusiast who just happens to have a love for writing. I try to be as accurate as possible about the facts stated in my blogs. Please let me know if any of the facts mentioned in my blogs appear inaccurate. Also let me know if there can be improvements in my style of blog writing as I am new to blogging. Your feedback is much appreciated.