52% believe that the reputation of airlines is now a more important factor

"Inmarsat": 90% of travelers in the UAE change their travel habits after "Covid-19"

The survey reflects the opinions and behaviors of 9,500 travelers from 12 countries.

■ from the source

The results of an expanded global survey, conducted by the global company "Inmarsat", which specializes in mobile satellite communication services (Inmarsat), showed that nine out of 10 residents or citizens of the UAE will change their habits and routines regarding air travel, after the outbreak of the Corona pandemic.

In a statement yesterday, the company stated that the "Passenger Confidence Follow-up" questionnaire, which is the largest global survey for air travelers since the beginning of the outbreak of the new Corona virus, reflects the views and behaviors of 9,500 participants from 12 countries regarding the future of air travel, including more than 500 travelers residing in the UAE. The survey shows that travelers in the UAE are motivated to return to travel by air in the near future, but they will be more confident if certain procedures are implemented during their travel and on board aircraft.

Traveler behaviors

Neil Faulkner, the regional vice president for aviation affairs at Inmarsat for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, said, "The survey results indicate a significant change in travel behavior, which will often change the shape of the aviation sector in the long run."

He added, "At a time when travelers residing in the Emirates seem motivated to return to travel, the results of this research reveal their concerns about contact points, and their experience inside aircraft," noting that this matter reveals a clear opportunity for airlines, by providing digital services. New from medical support, to pre-ordered meals, and contact-free payment options on flights, to increase travelers' confidence, while ensuring that health and safety needs are fully met.

Topics of concern

According to the survey, after months of rapidly changing travel restrictions, travelers participating in the survey in the UAE became more anxious about having to isolate themselves, compared to their anxiety about contracting the virus on board the plane, or while abroad.

Travelers also expressed their concerns about unexpected border closures while traveling, and the possibility that they will be unable to return to the UAE.

Other factors concern travelers in the UAE, such as confidence in airlines, as more than a quarter of the respondents said they would travel only with the airlines they trust, while 52% of them said that the reputation of airlines is now a more important factor than it was before. Pandemic.

And 32% of respondents in the UAE expressed their tendency to reduce air travel, while a third of global respondents (31%) said they plan to travel by air less than usual.

Tendency to travel

At a time when air travel is expected to decrease in the short and medium terms, travelers in the UAE were more likely to travel by air during the pandemic than their global counterparts, as 46% of respondents said they took at least one flight, the third highest after India and the United States. .

Three out of five passengers residing in the UAE said they would be ready to travel by air within the next six months, despite their intention to re-evaluate their travel habits.

Half of the citizens and residents of the Emirates who participated in the survey also expressed their belief that "flights are no more dangerous than visiting a gym, entertainment center, restaurant or cafe."

Air travel

The results of the survey showed that air travelers in the UAE, during the year 2020, are often concerned about contact points within flights.

Getting a meal on the plane, or using the plane's bathroom, is one of the least comforting activities for travelers in the Emirates during their travels.

On the other hand, the survey showed that UAE citizens and residents are comfortable with the idea of ​​moving around in the airport building, at the boarding gate and during boarding the plane, to rank third in the world in terms of confidence in the travel experience.

They also expressed greater confidence in being near other travelers, compared to global answers.

And 50% of UAE travelers saw that the availability of wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) on board the plane is more important now than it was before the pandemic, and that digital services, such as destination warnings and video medical support on board, will increase travelers' confidence .

Also, 77% of UAE residents and citizens who participated in the survey said that having a smart application to book their turn to use the plane's bathroom will improve their confidence during flights.

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