december2021january2022 - 42

EDITOR'S NOTE
Applying Lessons Learned
We know more about the coronavirus than ever
before, and utilizing established solutions will help
navigate the challenges posed by the omicron variant.
I
Editor - Josh Smith
jsmith@aviationpros.com
920-563-1644
would venture to guess a lot of us around the aviation industry have that " here we go again "
feeling as the world works quickly to learn more about the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Passenger traffic continued to recover in October across domestic and international markets.
But with news of the latest COVID variant, governments around the globe began re-implementing
travel bans in an effort to combat its spread.
Citing advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) has warned that the imposition of travel bans by governments are a threat to
the sector's recovery.
We're still in the midst of the pandemic, and the risk the virus poses should be taken seriously.
But unlike March 2020, there a fewer unknowns presently. With this, IATA has urged governments
to focus on simplifying health protocols, utilizing digital solutions to process health credentials and
implementing COVID-19 measures proportionate to risk levels while also undergoing continuous
review processes - rather than resorting to border closures.
During the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Prague this November, data presented
during the event indicated people have a desire to travel again. What's more, a willingness to share
individual biometric information is gaining momentum.
The adoption of biometrics could assist with passenger handling for both entry and exit immigration,
as well as security. Biometric info can also enable air travel while reducing the potential
for person-to-person COVID exposure. Further, integrating biometric data into travel apps can
assist airlines and ground handlers in ensuring that government health criteria are satisfied, while
simplifying the passenger experience for travelers.
Ideally, governments would all work together to standardize travel requirements. While that's not
likely to happen, countries can take a practical approach toward air travel. The aviation industry
was quick to adapt to the challenges imposed by a worldwide pandemic and delivered solutions
that enable safe travel.
If these approaches continue to be applied to the industry, and innovation keeps advancing, the
industry can recover while people remain healthy.
Advertiser's Index
ADB Safegate ........................................... 25
Alberth Aviation ........................................ 38
Coxreels .................................................... 34
David Clark Company ................................. 5
EnerSys ..................................................... 13
Engine Distributors Inc. ............................ 44
Fortbrand Services Inc. ............................. 39
Global Ground Support ............................. 15
Gorman-Rupp Pumps ................................ 23
Ground Support Specialist ....................... 28
GSE International ..................................... 38
Hydraulics International Inc ..................... 29
JBT AeroTech .............................................. 2
Mercury GSE ............................................. 39
Par-Kan ...................................................... 34
Qatar Aviation Services ............................ 11
Schweiss Doors ........................................ 40
Stinar Ground Support Equipment ............. 9
Total Control Systems .............................. 27
Victory GSE ............................................... 40
42 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

december2021january2022

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