NZALPA issues support to remove 'Empty Middle Seat' policy

New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association (NZALPA) issued (19-May-2020) full support of health and safety alternatives to leaving the 'middle seats' empty as advocated by IATA and announced by the Qantas Group. NZALPA president Captain Andrew Ridling stated: 'Evidence suggests that the risk of transmission on board aircraft is extremely low. NZALPA believes that the wearing of face coverings for passengers and crew will reduce this already low risk, while avoiding the possibility of dramatic cost increases to air travel with seats going empty". Mr Ridling said NZALPA is also working with industry, New Zealand's Government and Australian counterparts to reopen the trans Tasman aviation market. [more - original PR]