Beyond our control

Coping with COVID-19

The coronavirus, or as it is now known COVID-19, has steadily increased its grip around the globe. What began as a seemingly centralised outbreak has spread far beyond the borders of Wuhan with devastating results. The flow-on effect of such virus impacts upon many individuals, industries and economies, and airline operations are far from being immune.

The era of powered flight brought with it many advances and in the space of decades permitted people to transit oceans and continents when only a slow journey had previously allowed. Long voyages and even longer treks on land had been the means by which long distance travel had been achieved until aviation eclipsed such efforts and reduced the time of transit. Soon, air travel became increasingly accessible and tourism and trade would never be the same. However, as the unfolding coronavirus situation highlights, progress can sometimes be a double-edged sword.