Introduction

When we started putting this issue together, we got news that the world’s largest tourism trade show, ITB in Berlin, was cancelled.

As they did it with only four days notice, and as ITB is much more than just an exhibition, many people still headed over to Berlin for pre-arranged meetings (by comparison, AIX in Hamburg left enough time to postpone).

Since then many more events have gone the same way, for example SXSW in Austin, which I was due to attend. At time of writing there are even questions being asked about the Tokyo Olympics in the Summer.

There are question marks over whether flight bans, such as the one the Trump administration introduced from Europe, works. The UK Government in its press conference on 12 March felt no.

However even where flying is possible, the constant drum beat of bad news and event cancellations, mean consumers are left with only one impression - travel, any kind of travel, is risky. This is despite the fact that an aircraft someone flies in is almost certainly given a more thorough clean than the commuter train they take to work every day.

So long as this is the case, the vast majority of consumers will avoid it. As a result, the key for airlines is to de-risk even the limited amount of flying people will be willing to take in the current climate.

We’ve of course looked at how airlines are dealing with the coronavirus. However like other challenges the industry has faced, this too will pass, hopefully with the minimum loss of life and disruption.

As a result we have also looked forward to a selection of great airline campaigns. This includes Aeroflot unveiling its new A350 in Toulouse, which two members of the SimpliFlying team attended.

The mobile traveller with Airalo

We also have a special guide on the mobile traveller, looking at how passengers are using their mobile devices on their journey and while they are in a destination. We’ve produced this in partnership with e-sim company Airalo.

Speaking as a consumer, and Airalo customer, I am a fan. You can add over 100 eSims automatically to a compatible smartphone, tablet or PC via an App.

For me that has two advantages. I have lost countless small sim cards, and rarely have the pin with me to make the swap anyway. And then, there is the sustainability angle. Imagine all the plastic that gets used up from the one use, short term sim cards bought at airport counters every day. Finally, as I am (hopefully still) going to the US in May, I’ve found it considerably cheaper than buying a PAYG Sim on arrival.

You can find out more about Airalo and download the app, via their website.