SHOULD AIRLINES ALSO OFFER VACCINATIONS? 9 STEPS TO A WELLNESS PROGRAM.

In 2020, we were all eagerly waiting for arrival of vaccines - a recent webinar from ACI called vaccines - "liquid gold". Indeed they are worth more than their weight in gold!

The recent update from India on the cost of vaccines from private facilities of INR 300 (approximately US$4.10) got me thinking; (On a slightly different tangent, PCR tests at airports in India cost between US$6.9 to US$42)

Loyalty programs are extremely valuable for airlines.

Will we see Wellness programs or perhaps blended Wellness Loyalty program that are as valuable?

We are all very conscious of aviation's ongoing challenges - regulations, lockdowns, travel mistrust & fear, wellness concerns, economic ........... On a macro level, there are 3 key ones in my view (please do feel feel to share more) 

1. Government - regulations 
2. People - comfort levels / trust to travel / ability to travel (cost & connectivity) 
3. Industry - Standardization & collaboration

While many forecasts point to 2023-24 for recovery (with domestic, international, business, leisure, VFR - all having their own drivers & time-lines), what can the aviation industry do to jump-start travel in the meantime?

Yes, airlines & airports as well as other connected stakeholders have rolled out and continue to roll out a number of initiatives - but the stark reality even after 12 months we are still lacking coordination & collaboration in our approach!

On the topic of vaccine rollout programs, different countries are in varying stages of rolling out vaccinations programs, with significant population numbers being vaccinating ranging from last quarter of this year to all the way into 2023.

So let me be a little selfish here and ask;

"What can airlines do to target potential travelers?" 

Here's a thought; 

Why can't airlines & airports offer a comprehensive bundle of health products for passengers (Many already do with testing, onboard kits, tie-up with wellness & care product companies)?

[A side note, I do understand that at the moment, access to vaccines government controlled - but believe this will start changing as more vaccines get approval & production ramps up.]

There are quite a few missing bits in the current airline offering;

• Vaccines - Why can't airlines offer vaccinations to passengers as well? Book 60 days out - and airlines provide you with a complimentary vaccine.  Vaccinations can be done at the testing facilities that airlines already have tie-ups with or done at airports (wherever possible), as plenty of space available.  [the debate here is that we still don't know if vaccinated people can be COVID carriers] 
• Testing - The current testing regime will remain in place. Many airlines already have tie-ups with testing facilities, but this will need to be streamlined & coordinated.
• Travel Pass / Health Passport - The ability to have selected vaccination & testing centers means that these can be approved / certified by governments. Certifying vaccination & testing centers means that the data & results provided will be trustworthy & reliable. Test & vaccine results can then be accessed via the travel pass (and will be the basis for quarantine free travel).

Let's take India again as an example (new arrival rules just put in place) & see if the below 9 step approach will work

1. Make your flight booking 60 days out 
2. Buy your ticket 
3. Vaccine dose appointments scheduled 
4. Your travel pass is updated
5. xx hours (based on the current guidelines) prior go to same center for your test
6. Your travel pass is updated 
7. Check in at your departure airport - show your travel pass - get your boarding card
8. On arrival in India - your travel pass is checked at immigration  
9. Allowed entry. No other formalities required

For return flights - follow steps 5-9 

We have seen airlines partner with various wellness / wellness product companies, pointing to commercial and branding opportunities between aviation & the wellness industry.

British Airways & Dettol - "Taking Care of You Together"

Delta & Lysol

United & Clorox

Moving into the future as I mentioned at the start is that these tie-ups with the wellness & medical industry could lead to perhaps a new revenue stream for airlines - "WELLNESS LOYALTY" - and we all know how valuable loyalty program are to airlines!

But some challenges;

• Governments willingness to accept vaccinations from other country / manufacturers. Similar challenge with test result acceptance
• Governments & Aviation industry ability to implement one common standard (ie) the 9 step similar approach
• Ability to accept one app / technology tool
• And the biggest question - Who do you trust to be the custodian of all this data & management? (Think IATA & their BSP program)

But let me stick to my initial question;

SHOULD AIRLINES ALSO GET INTO THE "BUSINESS" OF OFFERING VACCINATIONS?

**** Stay Safe ****