GBTA, the Global Business Travel Association, has released a statement reiterating the importance of cooperation between the E.U., Canada and the U.S. to restore safe travels and reboot the economy. GBTA is urging the European Commission, E.U. governments, Ottawa, and the White House to pursue talks to find a resolution for transatlantic travel, based on reciprocity, proportionality, and the latest scientific advice.
“GBTA has repeatedly called on these governments to adopt a coordinated approach in responding to COVID-19 and the evolving situation," said Dave Hilfman, executive director of the GBTA and a long-time senior airline leader, in the press statement. "As a select number of countries recently chose to reinstate travel restrictions, we would like to stress the importance of closely following the recommendations of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure consistency and restore consumer confidence in air travel."
Maintaining transatlantic ties is in the best interest of citizens and the economies of the for all of the countries involved, added Hilfman.
Mark Cuschieri, chair European advisory board, GBTA, said, “Safety is paramount and should weigh heavily in discussions of restarting travel. Contact-tracing applications can effectively help fight the pandemic but can only do so if they are subject to a common set of standards to enable rapid exchange of information and limit the risks of further outbreaks."
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