When Pfizer and BioNTech announced their promising COVID-19 vaccine trial results last week Monday, said EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren, the carrier’s bookings surged by 50%. According to Reuters, he added that the momentum continued this week Monday, when Moderna also announced a very high efficacy for its candidate vaccine.
Similar indications came last week from British travel comparison and booking websites.
Following the Pfizer/BioNTech trial-results announcement, Skyscanner said it saw a 48% week-on-week increase in searches for travel next spring and summer. The firm’s senior brand director, Jo McClintock, said the advances in vaccine development were “the single biggest factor in restoring traveler confidence.”
Meanwhile, TravelSupermarket.com saw a 54% week-on-week uplift on that first vaccine announcement, with spokeswoman Emma Coulthurst calling the news “the positive shot which the industry and travelers need.