Originally Posted by
Sjoerd
Should we give up our addiction to flying?
If government intervenes and looks to buy a stake in airlines, this could be a turning point in transport policy, as the pandemic allows us to pivot to a lower air-travel future. We are already being forced to rethink how we move around, conduct business, keep up family ties and maintain friendships in a globalised world without aviation – a dire necessity, given the urgency of the climate emergency.
Regardless of our voluntary actions to not fly when we may fly again, I think air travel will not be back to “normal” again any time soon because:
1. the Covid-19 crisis will lead to economic hardship around the world so many people will have no - or less - money to spend on air travel in the coming years;
2. International travel will be one of the last economic sectors to open again and for some time “foreigners” and those who appear to be foreign may face discrimination;
3. Businesses and individuals will have learned from the Covid-19 period that there are cheaper and more efficient ways to do business and contact our friends and family;
4. There will be strong opposition to further globalisation of supply chains and some of the globalisation is likely to be reversed;
5. Some industries that require lots of air travel (such as cruising) may never again be as big as in 2019.
6. As the article says governments may indeed “use” this crisis to increase taxation on air travel and find other ways to discourage air travel.
#3 is just completely disconnected from reality when it comes to family. Last night I did a Zoom Passover Seder and it wasn't anywhere nearly the same connection as being with my family. People will always want to actually see their families when possible and if we make air travel too expensive then you're only hurting those lower on the socioeconomic ladder as they won't be able to go home even for their once a year trip. Meanwhile, folks with means will just eat the cost or the really rich will use private jets. As far as business goes I do agree I think business travel will change.
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Apr 10, 2020 at 5:28 am
Reason: Fixed quote tags