The coming of the New Year leads us to look back on everything that was done in the previous one. But even more to occupy us with what awaits us in the new one. Every new beginning brings with it new positive expectations. That is why we congratulate and celebrate the arrival of each new year with the best wishes and expectations for the next one. After two turbulent years that have changed and affected the whole world, the aviation industry is entering the new year with numerous wishes and expectations. Here are some expected trends in aviation for 2022.

The first and most important trend that is expected in the new year is the growth of interest in air traffic. The blow to the aviation industry that occurred during 2020 and 2021 should have slowly subsided. Air traffic is expected to recover to 88% of pre-COVID-19 levels. 

According to Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General: “I am always optimistic about aviation. We are in the deepest and gravest crisis in our history. But the rapidly growing vaccinated population and advancements in testing will return the freedom to fly in the months ahead. And when that happens, people are going to want to travel. The immediate challenge is to reopen borders, eliminate quarantine measures and digitally manage vaccination/testing certificates. At the same time, we must assure the world that aviation’s long-term growth prospects are supported with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Both challenges require governments and industries to work in partnership. Aviation is ready. But I don’t see governments moving fast enough.” 

No assessment can be made with certainty, given that we have learned the unpredictability of coronavirus. But the indications are certainly very positive. Traffic normalization will certainly have an overall positive impact on the aviation industry. In 2022, Cirium, a London-based global aviation analytics organization, expects a 36 percent increase in business travel year-over-year, a shift from the current gradual recovery of business travel.

Another trend that will certainly mark the next year is further work on making greener aviation. Most major airlines are now signed up to the plan for net-zero emissions by 2050. The two most important projects are electric aircraft and using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Ecology is a contemporary issue regarding the effects climate change is already having on our planet. Aircraft manufacturers and aircraft in all sectors are going to need a response. The ability to assess better the impact of airline travel on global glasshouse gas emissions when normality returns will be one of the priorities.

Although the general impression is that the danger of a pandemic is slowly subsiding, we are sure that strict health protocols will be applied in 2022. A big issue for travelers going into 2022 is the tighter border testing requirements across borders, especially in light of the Omicron variant. 

Nevertheless, encourages the IATA position that vaccinated travelers shouldn’t face any barriers to travel and that testing should enable those without access to vaccines to travel without quarantine. Mitigation strategies are likely to stay into next year. These strategies include enhanced cleaning protocols and air filtration systems, among other standard best practices like regular testing. However, we hope that these protocols will not significantly disturb passengers.

Wishing you all the best for the Christmas and New Year holidays, and see you soon on our blog.