LONDON – On the 26th of September, Air Canada announced from its Montreal office that they are very relieved by the decision made by the Government of Canada to lift the remaining COVID-19 restrictions.
COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted
The restrictions that are soon to be removed include masks wearing on flights, testing and quarantine and the compulsory registration of ArrivanCan as of 1st October 2022.
Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer at Air Canada, Craig Landry, stated with much-anticipated excitement: “Air Canada welcomes the removal of these restrictions, acknowledging that air travel is safe and that the measures were not justified by science.”
“We believe it will greatly facilitate travel, help to continue stabilizing the country’s air transport sector and support Canada’s economy. Customers and crew will still have the option to wear masks and we also encourage customers to monitor their own health to be sure they feel well and fit to travel.”
The Chief Operating Officer continued: “While today’s announcement is a positive step, we urge the government not to lose momentum. Lessons learned during the pandemic should now be applied to streamlining the air transport system in Canada and enact further reforms.”
“This includes improving processes, such as security and customs at airports, developing new trusted traveller programs, deploying new technologies and, more fundamentally, re-examining the user-pay model that finances air transportation in Canada, whose weaknesses and interdependencies were exposed by COVID.”
The easing of the covid measures that were announced on the 26th will inevitably drive more growth to Air Canada’s ongoing recovery from the covid slump.
Despite, major headwinds facing the industry, the Canadian flag carrier is ready to work with its partners and stakeholders in the aviation industry and the carrier is preparing for pre-covid services, which include, maskless flights, revamped meal services and a surge in passenger numbers.
This signifies that Air Canada is heading on a positive trajectory and that the airline is working hard to avoid unnecessary delays, cancellations and messy queues as seen at the U.S and European airports throughout the summer.
Moreover, the airline’s daily flight completion factor is not at an impressively high at over 98%, along with baggage handling performance, which has been a struggle for many airlines in the post-pandemic world.
Preparation For Busy Period
Canada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, despite the fact numbers have dropped in recent years, it remains a popular location for travellers looking to Ski and experiences breathtaking scenery over its vast wilderness.
The flag carrier has struggled greatly over the last 2 and a half years with the COVID-19 restrictions hindering their passenger numbers, with other carriers governments in the U.S for example, removing the need for masks and tests upon arrival making travel much more convenient and efficient for customers.
Air Canada is Canada’s flag carrier and largest airline and is also the founding member of one of the largest airline alliances, Star Alliance. It provides scheduled services to over 50 Canadian airports, 47 in the United States and 69 international routes.
