Wizz Air continues to see opportunities amid coronavirus crisis
Wizz Air CEO József Váradi said while the coronavirus pandemic is significantly impacting the industry, it is also creating opportunities (exyuaviation.com, 10-Jun-2020). Mr Váradi said the carrier is doing a lot of "demand sensing". Mr Váradi added people are interested in immediate travel opportunities, "not in a year from now".
Tourism Industry Aotearoa expecting similar pre-coronavirus tourism levels in three to five years
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) stated (08-Jun-2020) New Zealand's borders are likely to remain closed to many parts of the world for the remainder of 2020, with a return to similar pre-coronavirus levels of international tourism predicted to take three to five years. TIA CEO Chris Roberts said the industry is keenly awaiting further announcements on the trans Tasman bubble, with Australia being New Zealand's largest market for international visitors. [more - original PR]
Airbnb CEO sees pent up holiday demand, but not necessarily for air travel
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said he expects a surge of demand over the Northern Hemisphere summer, as people emerge from mandatory COVID-19 lockdowns and release pent up demand for holidays and travel (Bloomberg, 08-Jun-2020). Mr Chesky noted that despite the demand, people "don't necessarily want to get on an airplane and are not yet comfortable leaving their countries".
Air New Zealand US operations 'likely to be more towards the end of next year': CEO
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said operations to the US are "likely to be more towards the end of next year" (RNZ, 05-Jun-2020). Mr Foran said the US is "a really important market for New Zealand, and I'd like to be back flying into all those locations. None of those are off the table".
Thai AirAsia CEO: 'Low cost airlines with affordable prices will remain'
Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: "We have to efficiently manage cash flow as no revenue came in, especially during Apr-2020 when we did not have flights" (Bangkok Post, 09-Jun-2020). Mr Klongchaiya added: "The key is to increase domestic flights every month and prepare for international flights as soon as Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand allows". He said: "Low cost airlines with affordable prices will remain", adding: "Passengers will not be able to book the cheapest prices below marginal cost whenever they want, as they could in the past".
Ryanair UK outbound services 'are full': CEO
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said the carrier's UK outbound operations "are full" because "British people are ignoring this quarantine, they know it's rubbish" (Reuters/Irish Times, 08-Jun-2020).