Former IAG boss Walsh sees return of European air travel to US by July

Slightly more optimistic than current official IATA estimates for a $48bn industry loss for 2021

Former IAG boss Willie Walsh expects signs of recovery for European aviation in the second half of the year. Mr Walsh is currently director general of industry group IATA.

Willie Walsh has said he expects the US to open for European visitors “probably during July”, but said transatlantic routes are still reopening slower than expected.

That said, the former head of Aer Lingus owner IAG said the second half of this year is looking better for European aviation, given the pace of the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines.