BARIG, the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany and Boards of Airline Representatives (BARs) across Europe call for a fast and consistent approach for the restart of travel and air traffic within the EU and to third countries.
On Thursday (June 10, 2021), BARIG, the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany, announced the launch of an appeal by over ten Boards of Airline Representatives (BARs) across Europe for a fast and consistent approach regarding the restart of travel and air traffic across the EU and with third countries. The BARs advocating these demands include associations in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The associations call for coordinated entry and exit rules, the recognition of vaccination, recovery and testing certificates, and a uniform declaration of high risk areas, high-incidence areas, or areas of variant concern. Additionally, the BARs are calling for coordinated rules of travel between the EU and other reopening third countries such as the US, China and others.
In Thursday’s announcement, BARIG’s Secretary General, Michael Hoppe, said,
“People have a right to mobility and freedom to travel. In view of the positive developments of vaccination campaigns and the enduring decrease of infection rates, basic rights and freedoms must now be returned to citizens on the basis of the EU Council of Ministers’ decision of May 27, 2021. However, the apparently uncoordinated and constantly changing approach of EU states with regard to travel regulations is once again leading to great dissatisfaction and uncertainty among European citizens. We call on politicians to implement harmonized, practicable regulations now. Mere words are insufficient. Action must be taken; the technology is ready.
“My colleagues from the European BARs and I therefore appeal to national politics, the EU Council, and the EU Commission to implement harmonized procedures and regulations as quickly as possible. This will allow people to plan their long-awaited trips to see their families and friends or to go on vacation, and business travelers will be able to resume international meetings and appointments.”
In a follow up press release on Friday (June 11, 2021), BARIG welcomed the publishing of a joint paper on the “Restart of Air Traffic.” The joint paper was presented in a virtual press conference, “Update: Travel in Summer 2021” and was developed under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) and other partners. These partners included the German Air Transport Association (BDL), BARIG, the German Travel Association (DRV) and Federal Ministries such as the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI), the Federal Foreign Office (AA) and other parties.
Further speaking on the published paper, which describes the complex interaction of all involved in air traffic and within the entire travel chain, BARIG’s Secretary General, Michael Hoppe, said,
“The paper on the ‘Restart of Air Traffic’ is an important positive signal for the travel industry, aviation, and the people in Germany. With the agreed framework conditions, international travel is once again much easier. Thus, German citizens can plan visits to relatives and friends, their summer vacation, and business trips abroad. Clear rules apply to all those involved in the travel chain, ensuring health-safe flying from departure to arrival. We would like to say thank you to the political representatives, the BDL, and the DRV for their constructive cooperation. Together, we have developed the best and safest solutions for the aviation industry and the passengers. We therefore wish you ‘Bon voyage’ and ‘Always Happy Landings’.”
Founded in 1951, Frankfurt am Main-based BARIG (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany e.V.) represents over 100 national and international airlines in the scheduled, charter, low cost and air cargo sectors. The association works to improve conditions in the aviation industry in Germany and is the key industry contact for politics, authorities, industry and media.
Source: BARIG/Classen Communication