There is no such thing as a straight-forward trip post-COVID-19. Regulatory complexities and service availability are constantly changing all over the globe. So, here are some trip support tips for operators from the UAS Americas team.Full transparency
- Ensure your passengers are fully aware of potential changes that may occur over the course of the trip
- Ensure your crew is fully aware of regulatory requirements and limitations
- Ensure you allow ample time for processing permits and customs clearances
- Ensure all visa requirements are known well in advance as visas on arrival have been suspended in most countries
- COVID-19 requirements can vary on a daily occurrence for any given country – keep in mind that required documentation could vary over the course of planning
- Be prepared for potential repositions due to limited services
Know what to expect from your ground handlers
- Verify if your preferred ground agent is still in business. If not, is this a temporary or permanent closure?
- Verify operational hours
- Is credit still available? What are the current payment requirements? Is cash or credit card on hand required?
- Are customs available as published?
- Are standard services still available? Are VIP operations still available?
- What is fuel availability? Is fuel available at all hours? Is supply limited? Can this be obtained on credit?
- Are there any government restrictions on curfews and does this affect operational hours and/or the services available?
- Are there any restrictions on catering? (for both arrivals and departures)
COVID-19 test requirements
- Know the requirements for each country you are visiting
- Ensure any PCR testing requirements are exactingly adhered to
- For extended flights to multiple countries, ensure you know if multiple testing is required and that you’re aware of where those can be facilitated in foreign countries
- Know the documentation requirements for foreign countries to accept test results
- Be prepared for positive test results
- Know the quarantine requirements and strictly adhere to them
Crew swaps – GA vs. Commercial
- Entry requirements vary for airline arrivals versus coming in as crew on a private aircraft
- Know the requirements for the respective country and the crew
- Ensure you obtain requirements for the respective nationality of your crew
- Some countries will allow the crew swap, but you need to have particular paperwork and it does take some time and planning
- Again, ensure you know the PCR test requirements and are aware of potential quarantine restrictions
Ground stay – minimums and maximums
- Ensure you know what the minimum and maximum ground times are at your destination - these can and have likely changed post COVID-19
- Are all parking bays being utilized?
- Verify if RONs are available
- Are there any restrictions on hotels for crew usage?
For support with your international trip planning, contact UAS
