Expert comment: Turbulence ahead for global travel industry

Dr Robinson said: “Not a great day for EasyJet who have reported a first annual loss in its 25 years operating schedule.

“The aviation sector has in recent months has seen a huge downturn in demand caused by the CV-19 pandemic and a flying public reluctant to engage with an industry, until normal post pandemic conditions resume.

“In the near future I sadly predict huge job losses with possible key players in the regional and national aviation sector going out of business. Suppliers in the extended global supply chain, who provide aviation infrastructure and related components will be hugely affected by the downturn in aviation travel as will suppliers of related hospitality and travel services.

“Buckle up, there is turbulence ahead. Business providers can survive but many of the traditional business models need to be re-engineered to survive in the new normal, post Covid-19 business environment.

“The possible future second half of 2021 offers some hope for aviation sector as a vaccine might be more widely available and the pent-up frustration of the general holidaying public to feel some sun of their face will be to irresistible to resist.

“The pandemic has hit the aviation and tourism sector greatly and the related regional and national lockdowns has done little to breath demand into an industry which is often the first to show sign of weakness when external global pressures come a knocking.

“Running parallel to this, one could argue that the partial failure in track and trace and an ineffective quarantine system has done little to reassure the travelling public, resulting in colossal losses for an industry already under pressure.”