New Survey Insight Points to Summer Lift Off for UK Holidaymakers

A national representative survey commissioned by London City Airport following the Prime Minister’s February 22^nd lockdown roadmap points to optimism amongst UK travellers
72% of frequent flyers want to return to travel when restrictions are lifted
71% believe that travel should be allowed to and from countries that have COVID-19 under control
Significant support for “Covid-Certificates” that permit international travel
British Airways plan a significant summer programme from London City with 25 destinations on offer, including Mykonos, Ibiza, Split and a London City only service to San Sebastian

A nationally representative survey of 2100 people across the UK has demonstrated a strong desire to return to domestic and international travel as soon as restrictions are eased by Government.

The survey, which took place on the weekend following the Prime Minister issuing the Government’s roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions, builds on the spike of new bookings made by the British public since February 22^nd and points to a resurgence for the UK travel industry.

The survey results also showed a willingness to adapt to the post Covid landscape with three quarters accepting the need to supply a negative COVID test prior to travel, if required.

And building on recent results relating to travel certification, three quarters would be willing to carry proof that they had been vaccinated if it meant being allowed to travel. Interestingly, amongst the over 65’s, the number rises to 89% but for 18-24 year olds it is 67% – which may indicate that overall acceptance will increase once every adult in the UK receives their first vaccination by July.

Commenting on the survey, Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer, London City Airport, said:

“After the weakest first quarter that anyone in the industry can remember, the survey results show that the Prime Minister’s roadmap has given British people hope again and it is very pleasing to see that so many see travel as a priority as restrictions are eased.

It has also given our airline partners confidence to schedule services throughout the summer and I am delighted that we will be able to connect travellers to so many destinations across the UK and Europe for the most well-deserved summer holiday they will ever have.

The challenge now for industry and Government is to make sure that May 17^th is not another false dawn and to agree travel standards with our key international partners as soon as possible which will allow everyone to fly safely from early summer. And when this is achieved, I would anticipate another surge in bookings that will not only be a huge shot in the arm for the industry but demonstrate that we can finally begin our recovery.”

Looking ahead to the summer, the emerging picture points to a preference for short haul holidays, with 55% of frequent flyers preferring Europe and the Mediterranean, compared to 22% who aspire to travel long haul.

This potential trend is supported by 71% indicating that travel should be allowed between the UK and countries where COVID-19 is under control, opening up the possibility of green travel corridors between the UK and European countries where risk is low.

In preparation for the restart of international travel, the airport’s home-based carrier British Airways has announced a route map of 24 destinations. These include a return of core routes such as Edinburgh, Dublin and Glasgow and summer sun destinations such as Malaga, Ibiza, Nice, Florence, Faro, Nice, Mykonos, Santorini and Split.

And one year after the route was announced, the only connection between London and San Sebastian will commence with two rotations per week.

It is hoped that international departures will commence from May 17^th and will be scaled up through the summer.

In preparation, the airport has an airside testing facility provided by Collinson that offers all required arrival and departure testing for UK and Global markets and will continue to offer safe, careful and speedy journeys for passengers.

Ends.

Notes to editors

British Airways, operated by BA CityFlyer (BACF), will offer services this summer to Malaga, Amsterdam, Berlin, Belfast, Bergerac, Dublin, Dusseldorf, San Sebastian, Edinburgh, Faro, Florence, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Geneva, Ibiza, Mykonos, Skiathos, Santorini, Mahon, Nice, Palma, Rotterdam, Split, Quimper, Zurich
Destinations currently served by the airport include Belfast and Frankfurt with BACF, Vilnius with LOT Polish Airlines and Luxembourg with LuxAir
Services to Amsterdam with KLM, Dusseldorf with BACF and Dundee with Logan Air are expected to commence in the coming weeks with SWISS returning to the airport in May.
London City Airport was awarded with the Global Health Accreditation Standard by Airports Council International
2,014 people were surveyed online by Yonder Data Solutions (formerly Populus Data Solutions), 26-28th February 2021. The survey was weighted to be nationally representative of the UK.
For further information and data from the survey, please contact Liam McKay on liam.mckay@londoncityairport.com

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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