A holiday airline taking off from two UK airports this summer is planning a radical shake-up for passengers concerned about the spread of coronavirus.
German-owned carrier Eurowings will fly twice-weekly services between Manchester and Birmingham Airports and Majorca from May and the airline intends to introduce an 'empty middle seat' policy on its aircraft.
A study by the airline has revealed many travellers want more distance between passengers whilst on board.
Following the study, Eurowings will allow passengers to pay as little as £10 in advance to keep the middle seat in a row of three empty. The Lufthansa-owned airline said it was responding to passengers hygiene and safety concerns.
The unique service can be booked online at eurowings.com with just a few clicks. The offer is available to all customers if sufficient seats are still available on the flight.
All reserved middle seats are marked separately by a cover on the headrests (labelled "Booked to stay free").
Jens Bischof, chief executive of Eurowings, said: "We have to acknowledge that in times of the Covid pandemic there are millions of insecure customers who now attach particular importance to a little more space on board when flying - whether for reasons of comfort or hygiene.
"With our improved option of offering the free middle seat and making it conveniently bookable online, we are responding to these changing customer needs."
Eurowings is also set to launch a twice-weekly service between Manchester and Palma de Mallorca. Further routes could be introduced during the summer from both UK airports.
The airline already has an established base in Mallorca, operating ‘Palma Shuttle’ services to Germany. It will serve the Balearic island from 22 airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland this summer.
Last month Eurowings owner Lufthansa confirmed plans to offer “the most extensive range of vacation destinations in years” with a “special focus” on routes to the Caribbean, the Canary Islands and Greece.
