Aer Lingus urges Government to facilitate the implementation of Ireland’s Aviation Restart Plan 2021

Dublin, Ireland, 2021-Apr-16 — /Travel PR News/ — Aer Lingus has called on the government to facilitate the implementation of a plan to restart Ireland’s aviation industry after more than a year on near dormancy due to the pandemic.

The Irish airline has urged the government to put into effect the findings of the Aviation Restart Plan, published by industry working group the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF).

NCADF, whose members include Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Ibec, the DAA and the Shannon Group, said it had set out a ‘balanced and evidence-based approach’ to enable the recommencement of air travel.

Its recommendations include removing the ban on non-essential travel this summer, restricted quarantine requirements, resumption of the EU traffic light system, and the development of a communications plans to improve consumer sentiment around international travel.

NCADF has also called for the full restoration of the common travel area between Ireland and the UK ‘as an immediate priority’ and for engagement with the US government on reciprocal arrangements that would allow for the ban on Irish citizens entering the US to be lifted.

It has also asked for vaccination not to be made a pre-requisite for travel and for those who have been fully vaccinated to be exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.

The report also recommends a rapid antigen testing regime, passenger locator forms, full support for the EU Digital Green Pass and use of travel apps by airlines as well as financial incentives and support schemes for the sector.

‘The need for a data-driven, risk-based Irish roadmap to reopen international travel is urgent,’ Aer Lingus chief corporate affairs officer Donal Moriarty said. ‘This will enable the restoration of connectivity and ensure that the economy is supported to deliver the recovery that will be vital for the country.

‘With the publication of Ireland’s Aviation Restart Plan today by the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF), a considered and effective exit strategy is outlined.

‘What is critically important now is that the government urgently takes the required steps to finalise the plan and enable its implementation.’

Contact:

Telephone: +353 1 761 7846
Fax: +353 1 886 3832

Source: Aer Lingus

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