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Following news this week that President Trump
is considering a laptop ban on flights to the US from the UK and other major
European countries, Mark Jenkinson, director of bespoke air charter firm,
Hunt and Palmer, voices concern that it could have a deeply negative impact on
the international business community.
“A broadening of the laptop ban away from
select high-threat countries has the potential to both hinder business and hit
the airlines bottom line, as execs decide they cannot afford a day of time
flying to the US without such a crucial business tool.
"For businesspeople who fly regularly, not
being able to have a laptop or tablet onboard when travelling to the US could
wipe out an entire billable day. It’s a big cost and a cost that the major
commercial airlines could ultimately be set to pay.
"The airborne office is second nature to
C-suite executives; they use these hours in the sky to prepare for meetings and
presentations. Without being able to use laptops or tablets, top business execs
are hostages to the in-flight entertainment.
"If implemented, this broadening of US policy
could have a profound effect on the mainstream airline industry as it
disincentivises businesses to travel. With the quality of video conferencing
today, we could see international business spilt into a world of high quality
video calls and private air charter."
The first US electronics ban, introduced last
month, affected nine airlines flying from 10 specific airports in Jordan, Egypt,
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Under
the rules, any devices larger than a mobile phone need to be checked in and
stored in the hold, where they can be screened more extensively.
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