APA introduces SEATS concept, calls on Govt to purchase empty seats

Allied Pilots Association (APA) introduced (24-Jun-2020) a concept entitled 'Safe Essential Air Transportation Seating' (SEATS), designed to allow for the gradual return of passengers to pre-COVID-19 travel levels, whilst maintaining critical transportation infrastructure employment. APA president Eric Ferguson explained: "Under SEATS, the government would purchase enough seats on each flight to eliminate the need for any passenger to sit next to a stranger", adding: "Passengers would be encouraged to fly more, airlines would be encouraged to operate more flights, and the government would ensure the preservation of critical transportation infrastructure and associated jobs". The price of empty seats would be based on industry average costs for 2019. [more - original PR]