One of the leading voices in the aerospace industry is calling for any new rapid COVID testing kits to be fast-tracked into airports to help save the sector.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) has said that without extra help more businesses in aviation and its supply chain could fail.

The industry was one of the first affected by the pandemic and it continues to struggle with 12,000 UK jobs already lost or at risk.

The global aviation and aerospace sector has just been through its worst ever quarter with a record low orders for new aircraft.

In fact in September fewer than 15 new orders were placed, compared with more than 150 in 2019.

David Barnes, chief executive of the FAC, said: “Rapid COVID testing could make a huge difference by helping to get people back in the air – giving confidence to both travellers and the authorities.

“This would stimulate the sector thereby helping to save businesses and jobs.

“Clearly the first priority with any COVID testing should be based on national health needs, but thereafter the international aerospace sector would benefit hugely from its introduction at airports.

“With the whole of the aviation and aerospace industries having to deal with the downturn in business, anything to get carriers moving would be of great assistance to us all.

“If airport authorities were able to know that passengers were arriving COVID-free there would be little to prevent passenger traffic the getting closer to where it was in 2019.

“This, in turn, would also be important to support businesses of all types; from engineering to cleaning companies.

“The aerospace sector is worth £35 billion to the British economy and we are one of the world leaders – a position we really must maintain.

“Restoring the aerospace sector activity levels would also help other industries, such as tourism and hospitality.”

FAC has around 200 members both in the UK and abroad and is one of the longest established aerospace and trade associations in the UK.

www.fac.org.uk

Tags

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium Covid-19

Related Articles

Most recent Articles