The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its government partners released an update to Runway to Recovery: The United States Framework for Airlines and Airports to Mitigate the Public Health Risks of Coronavirus framework. Version 1.1, referred to as R2R 1.1, which updates, refines, and expands upon the recommended risk mitigation practices outlined in the previous Runway to Recovery framework issued in July 2020. R2R 1.1 is informed by the U.S. Government’s evolving understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the current level of community spread in the U.S. and other countries, as well as the effectiveness of certain risk mitigation strategies.
The framework provides guidance that helps mitigate the health risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) for the traveling public and airline and airport workers when using the air transportation system. Like the original version, this document highlights the importance of educating passengers on healthy travel practices, such as wearing a mask, social distancing and COVID-19 testing. Version 1.1 delves deeper into these mitigation strategies as well as addresses the importance of not traveling while ill and how testing can support risk reduction in air transportation and at destination.
Air transportation has an important role in the overall health of the economy, moving the vital good and services U.S. citizens need and allowing essential and personal travel for the public. Continually providing clear updated guidance on how to safely use the nation’s airports is vital during this public health emergency.
The Runway to Recovery framework will continue to be an evolving document as new information about preventing the transmission of the virus is discovered and data is collected on the success of mitigation strategies.
