COVID-19: Australian International borders to remain closed for 2021 – Brendan Murphy, Health Department Secretary

Well, this isn’t good news.

In a question asked on ABC TV this morning on whether international borders would open this year, Brendan Murphy, Secretary to the Commonwealth Department of Health had this answer:

“I think the answer is probably no,”

Professor Brendan Murphy, Secretary, Department of Health

He doesn’t think extensive vaccination of Australia’s population would help, as it is still unknown whether the vaccine prevents transmission, as well as reducing the severity of the infection

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.

This is very bad news for airlines, the travel industry, Australian and overseas travellers and our nearest neighbours. He didn’t even hold out the possibility of travel bubbles.

Oh dear.

Let’s hope he is a pessimist, I suppose.