A majority of corporate travellers want middle seats on aircraft left empty and aircraft sanitised between flights when travel resumes, a higher proportion than want to see crew wearing face masks.
The findings in a survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) come as more than half of companies say they are considering resuming travel.
The GBTA survey drew responses from more than 1,700 member companies around the world.
Three quarters (76%) said airlines should sanitise every traveller touchpoint before each flight to address health concerns
Some 60% want passengers required to wear face masks and 59% want middle seats left empty.
These were the top-three Covid-19 safety measures companies identified.
Just over half (52%) of company respondents said crew should wear face masks and 47% thought airlines should provide passengers with hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes.
The survey found 54% of companies considering a resumption of business travel “in the near future”. Just 14% reported no plans to resume.
Most carriers and aviation industry groups including airline association Iata have come out against social distancing measures on board flights if they mean leaving middle seats empty.
Iata has argued: “Social distancing on board – leaving the middle seat open – is obviated by the wearing of face coverings by all on board, on top of transmission-reducing characteristics of the [aircraft] cabin.”
However, the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued draft guidance recommending airlines “ensure physical distancing, to the extent possible” and “modify seat allocation accordingly”.
Ryanair ruled out disinfecting aircraft on turnarounds between flights this week. Chief executive Michael O’Leary said: “We are not going to disinfect on turnarounds. It’s not possible.”
Almost two thirds (62%) of respondents to the GBTA survey said they believe at least some employees will be willing to travel when restrictions are lifted.
However, 80% want to see an increase in cleaning standards in hotels, 55% thought hotel employees should wear face masks, and 43% want guidelines on physical distancing and hotel guests required to wear face masks in common areas.
A majority (70%) also think cleaning on ground transport should exceed current standards, 68% want hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes available on transport, 58% want drivers required to wear face masks and gloves, and 52% partitions installed between passengers and drivers.
GBTA chief executive Scott Solombrino said: “People aren’t going to travel until they feel safe.
“Our member companies want to see health and safety steps taken at every stage of the travel process.”
The poll was conducted on May 13-15 and received 1,705 responses from GBTA member companies.