Published several days earlier than predicted the report of the Global Travel Taskforce to the Department for Transport certainly did not have universal approval and was challenged by heavyweights in the industry.

It did not confirm international travel from 17 May and said it would provide further details earlier in the month.  The first ministers of Scotland and Wales have both already argued that 17 May will be too early for foreign holidays to resume.

The cruise ship industry is in a particular dilemma with staff being recruited from all around the globe for the start of the new season from now onwards.  It is a brave operator who at this time brings in crew for a late May start.  MSC is in a better position than most of its competitors and will have to decide early May whether to reposition.

Leisure carrier Jet2.com has extended the suspension of all its routes until after 23 June, blaming a “lack of clarity and detail” in the UK government’s plans.

Willie Walsh, in what was his first formal remark since taking over as director general of IATA, welcomed the report but also drew a note of caution. Unlike his predecessors he knows the UK market well and can speak with authority. 

As with all senior management commentators his biggest concern is the sole reliance on PCR testing. This is far from the “affordable and accessible” promise that the Government has made.

With the Global Travel Taskforce published on Friday the House of Commons Transport Select Committee will meet on Wednesday 14 April (09:30) to examine its deliberations.  It is likely to be a lively debate.

Likely topics for discussion include outlook for summer 2021 inbound and outbound international travel; rebuilding consumer confidence; health certification and testing; border regulations and restrictions and the long-term recovery of the UK aviation and travel industry.

Expert comment will be offered by Brian Strutton, general secretary, British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), Simon McNamara, UK & Ireland country manager, International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Mark Tanzer, chief executive, ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents and Tour Operators) followed at 11:00 by Robert Courts, minister for aviation, Department for Transport.

The rules of Parliament do not allow the general public to put questions to the experts but if your MP is one on the following list of members of the Transport Committee that is a way around this barrier. A ‘friend’ in the constituency can do the same.

Huw Merriman MP, chair (Con, Bexhill and Battle)
Ben Bradshaw MP (Lab, Exeter)
Ruth Cadbury MP (Lab, Brentford and Isleworth)
Lilian Greenwood MP (Lab, Nottingham South)
Simon Jupp MP (Con, East Devon)
Robert Largan MP (Con, High Peak)
Chris Loder MP (Con, West Dorset)
Karl McCartney MP (Con, Lincoln)
Grahame Morris MP (Lab, Easington)
Gavin Newlands MP (SNP, Paisley and Renfrewshire North)
Greg Smith MP (Con, Buckingham)

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/153/transport-committee

www.gov.uk/government/groups/global-travel-taskforce