Pandemic kills the future of business flights

Planes barely filled, airports nearly empty, virtual business meetings and staff working from home–this is the new norm reshaped by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Economist editors predict that this new norm is here to stay. 

“2022 will be the year when we adjust to new realities. There were things that were reshaped by the pandemic; the new world of working and the future of travelling.” Simon Wright, The Economist Industry editor said in an episode of podcast series The World Ahead. 

As the world emerges from the pandemic, it is apparent that business travel has not picked up as fast compared to holiday and leisure travel. 

Cost cutting

Wright points out that this is mainly because businesses are cutting back on costs. He additionally notes that many companies are now consciously looking to decrease their carbon footprint. Another point to note is employee welfare.

Many companies are realizing that they can do away with in-the-flesh business meetings especially with the rise of technology for video conferencing and virtual offices. 

“Internal meetings can be done via video conferencing. It is easier and much cheaper.” Wright said. 

With these, remote work is seen to prevail past the pandemic. In fact, digital nomads have been emerging. With more and more people working away from their offices, anyone can work from anywhere in the world. 

Listen to the podcast here.