Three-quarters of UK travellers fear flying in aircraft that have been grounded for more than a month because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A study by aviation analytics company Cirium shows at the height of the pandemic, 63 per cent of global passenger aircraft were grounded or 'in storage' as airlines slashed the number of flights owing to the widespread travel restrictions.
A staggering 32 per cent still remain ‘in storage’ globally, equating to 8,442 aircraft—with over 17,928 aircraft in service.
Airport officials across the UK have described the period as the most "severe downturn" in history with many battling to survive.
Some 54 per cent of more than 2,000 polled want to travel again in the next 12 months - with the desire to travel is particularly strong among younger travellers with 76 per cent of 18-34 year olds planning a trip.
The global rollout of vaccinations emerged as the largest, single measure capable of restoring confidence in air travel.
In addition, 73 per cent of the British public support ‘health passports’ being introduced for air passengers. Older travellers, aged 65 years old and above, are even more in favour, with 84 per cent signalling their support of the measure.
However, there is limited support for quarantine measures, with only a quarter of those quizzed saying it would increase their likelihood of flying. Quarantine measures in the UK have included the introduction of a 10-day isolation period in hotels.
Cirium chief executive Jeremy Bowen said: “Cirium’s survey results identify the British public’s appetite for travel, however it’s clear that certain measures to restore travel confidence will be more successful than others, with vaccinations featuring at the top and ‘health passports’ another favourable option.
"It's evident that people will travel if safety remains the top priority of airlines and airports. Bringing back travel is not just about easing travel restrictions, but also about rebuilding reassurance in flying safely in a world where Covid-19 still exists.”
The Cirium survey revealed the change in attitude by those questioned towards time spent in airports — which encouraged passengers to spend more time at hubs before flying — with a greater array of shops, restaurants and exclusive lounges.
But now nearly half (48 per cent) say they will look to reduce the amount of time they spend at airports, prior to flying, as a result of the pandemic impact.
The attraction of contactless technology while travelling has also gained support in the survey, with 59 per cent claiming they are more likely to now use apps for a touchless travel experience.
