Arnaud Vaissié
Co-founder and CEO of International SOS
1/ Can you introduce yourself and your company?
My name is Arnaud Vaissié and I am the co-founder and CEO of International SOS.
We are in the business of saving lives, protecting organisations’ employees from health and security threats wherever they are, 24/7.
Present in 90 countries, International SOS currently operates with more than 14,000 employees, including 5,200 medical professionals. Our group has over 12,000 corporate clients, including the majority of the Fortune 500 as well as many Governments and international organisations.
We have been at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic, helping our clients to build and implement their Health and Wellbeing strategy, ranging from prevention to crisis management. I can also add that International SOS has been particularly involved in Ukraine where we organised a large number of evacuations before and just after the war.
In terms of extra-curricular activities, I have recently joined the Board of the European Family Businesses which gathers more than 26,000 European Family Businesses and I am also the founder and chairman of the Lycée International de Londres, Winston Churchill.
2/ How do you see the development of the global airline industry in the years to come after it has suffered potentially the worst crisis in its history?
The airline industry has not been spared by the pandemic. The international air passenger traffic declined by 60% in 2020, compared to 2019 (according to ICAO), bringing them back ten years prior to the booming of the aviation industry. With no surprises, health and travel restrictions were responsible for most of this dramatic decrease. The multiple consequences of the crisis highlighted important societal issues: the reduction of business travels, replaced by video conferences; enhanced environmental considerations but also, in a wider perspective, higher travel budgets and prices due to indirect consequences of geopolitical conflicts, i.e. between Ukraine and Russia at the moment. The passenger traffic already boomed over the past months of 2022, in Europe and the Americas.
However, is this just a temporary catch-up effect ? I believe in an optimistic future for the airline industry and that, for several reasons. I think that the airline companies have learned many lessons from the pandemic and instead of looking behind, they are seizing all the opportunities to transform their industry.
First of all, if we take a look at environmental responsibility, in the aviation sector, which generates 2% of carbon emissions, there is a strong will to change things. Airlines are investing this way: with renewed fleets, fuel efficient aircrafts, etc. These are deep transformations to involve the entire ecosystem in a virtuous and more sustainable circle, with a particular mobilization among aircraft
and engine manufacturers. As an example, in partnership with Safran and GE, Airbus will equip a demonstration A380 to test hydrogen engines. The first tests are scheduled for 2023, and will be followed by flight tests within five years. This could be a great environmental milestone!
Then, from the human point of view, we just need to look at the general enthusiasm to being “back to the normal life”. I strongly believe that we need to meet each other. This is key and I am glad to see that business travels are regaining a normal rhythm. We don't work as effectively when we are limited to a screen. As an example, the first "face to face" trade shows organized after the pandemic were phenomenally successful, like the ATM (Arabian Travel Market), organized in Dubai. It reached all the records! Organizations are getting global, conquering new markets abroad and consequently people need to meet face to face. It might be not on the same rhythm as the pre-covid period, but still. They will also travel for longer periods of time, trying to avoid unnecessary travel back to their basis.
One region remains quite far behind in terms of International travels : Asia, and particularly China. Asia is one of the key drivers of the world economy and it is necessary that, in parallel to domestic travel which has started again, these markets open up again to the global air trade.
In addition, there are several other factors - in the post-covid era - that are essential to ensure a bright future for the airline industry.
Let's start with the development of air cargo is another example of this new horizons for the airline industry. The freight reached its peak capacity during the last months. The near-total stop of commercial passenger routes during the lockdown period has led to a sharp increase in prices on all-cargo aircraft.
The new capitalistic partnership between Air France and CMA-CGM is a good illustration of the pace of the global economy. The opening of additional air routes was strategic for airlines looking for cash. However, the impact of limited cargo capacities might be a new financial issue for people and organizations.
At International SOS, we work both for organizations with business travelers and we also help airline stake-holders with medical staffing and resources to make sure everything is in their hands to mitigate any sanitary or security risk when operating. Our mission is to help them to be confident to meet their industry’s new challenges. Our role is to help business travelers to travel the world in the best conditions, both sanitary and safe. The pandemic added to the tense geopolitical context (whether the war in Ukraine or tensions in the China Sea…) are all the reasons to anticipate any kind of crisis.
In light of these threats and environmental issues, companies around the world are reviewing their travel policies and these include a stronger protection of their employees, no matter where they are located. The new ISO 31030 standard we collectively elaborated with different travel stakeholders is a specific guidance to help organizations assess and set all the necessary resources to protect their travelers.
3/ The theme this year is: "How do airlines adapt in a changing world" What is your point of view on this subject?
As many other industries, the airline sector is going fast in tackling the multiple challenges of sustainability. And yet, they need to go even faster. This is a matter of survival especially on domestic and medium-haul routes. The challenge is, despite the economic situation, to find the perfect match between technological innovation, cost control and respect for the environment. I
believe that today's challenges, especially regarding energy and environment, will be the top ones tomorrow.
To adapt in a changing world and reach the virtuous circle, airlines can’t innovate alone. Aircraft manufacturers and engine manufacturers have to participate in the reduction of carbon footprint and reach carbon neutrality in a very short period of time. Many things have been already done, such as new aircraft generations both at Airbus (with the Neo versions) and Boeing. All the players
are concerned by these new environmental challenges.
Just as 9/11 changed the nature of global security, so COVID will have a long-lasting impact on health care management, especially in travel protocols. The airline industry needs to take all the opportunities offered by digital technologies to make the travel experiences better than before. During the pandemic, the majority of travelers faced a complex process to get from one point to another. During this time, experts from around the world have been working to simplify travel processes. At International SOS, we were part of them, taking care of 2.5 million travelers. It was evident for us we had a key role to play in finding solutions to help resume travels. At the very
beginning of this pandemic, we immediately started working on a common framework with the ICC, SGS through a collaboration on what has become the very first large scale use of Covid passports, or vaccination pass with AOKpass, a mobile app to certify and digitize PCR Tests results and vaccination certificates. Digital assets are the best way to match stricter travel protocols and a growing number of travelers worldwide.
Finally, and this is more a prospective point of view, airports will become huge hubs connecting airlines but also trains. Synergies between airlines and railway companies will transform the travel experience by proposing a complete and one-stop-itinerary to the travelers. At International SOS, when helping 9 500 organizations all over the world and 24/7/365 to prepare the travels or their employees, we already take the train into account to support them reaching their CSR and budget targets. Our unique mission is to simplify their lives and make them focus on their own challenges.
My name is Arnaud Vaissié and I am the co-founder and CEO of International SOS.
We are in the business of saving lives, protecting organisations’ employees from health and security threats wherever they are, 24/7.
Present in 90 countries, International SOS currently operates with more than 14,000 employees, including 5,200 medical professionals. Our group has over 12,000 corporate clients, including the majority of the Fortune 500 as well as many Governments and international organisations.
We have been at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic, helping our clients to build and implement their Health and Wellbeing strategy, ranging from prevention to crisis management. I can also add that International SOS has been particularly involved in Ukraine where we organised a large number of evacuations before and just after the war.
In terms of extra-curricular activities, I have recently joined the Board of the European Family Businesses which gathers more than 26,000 European Family Businesses and I am also the founder and chairman of the Lycée International de Londres, Winston Churchill.
2/ How do you see the development of the global airline industry in the years to come after it has suffered potentially the worst crisis in its history?
The airline industry has not been spared by the pandemic. The international air passenger traffic declined by 60% in 2020, compared to 2019 (according to ICAO), bringing them back ten years prior to the booming of the aviation industry. With no surprises, health and travel restrictions were responsible for most of this dramatic decrease. The multiple consequences of the crisis highlighted important societal issues: the reduction of business travels, replaced by video conferences; enhanced environmental considerations but also, in a wider perspective, higher travel budgets and prices due to indirect consequences of geopolitical conflicts, i.e. between Ukraine and Russia at the moment. The passenger traffic already boomed over the past months of 2022, in Europe and the Americas.
However, is this just a temporary catch-up effect ? I believe in an optimistic future for the airline industry and that, for several reasons. I think that the airline companies have learned many lessons from the pandemic and instead of looking behind, they are seizing all the opportunities to transform their industry.
First of all, if we take a look at environmental responsibility, in the aviation sector, which generates 2% of carbon emissions, there is a strong will to change things. Airlines are investing this way: with renewed fleets, fuel efficient aircrafts, etc. These are deep transformations to involve the entire ecosystem in a virtuous and more sustainable circle, with a particular mobilization among aircraft
and engine manufacturers. As an example, in partnership with Safran and GE, Airbus will equip a demonstration A380 to test hydrogen engines. The first tests are scheduled for 2023, and will be followed by flight tests within five years. This could be a great environmental milestone!
Then, from the human point of view, we just need to look at the general enthusiasm to being “back to the normal life”. I strongly believe that we need to meet each other. This is key and I am glad to see that business travels are regaining a normal rhythm. We don't work as effectively when we are limited to a screen. As an example, the first "face to face" trade shows organized after the pandemic were phenomenally successful, like the ATM (Arabian Travel Market), organized in Dubai. It reached all the records! Organizations are getting global, conquering new markets abroad and consequently people need to meet face to face. It might be not on the same rhythm as the pre-covid period, but still. They will also travel for longer periods of time, trying to avoid unnecessary travel back to their basis.
One region remains quite far behind in terms of International travels : Asia, and particularly China. Asia is one of the key drivers of the world economy and it is necessary that, in parallel to domestic travel which has started again, these markets open up again to the global air trade.
In addition, there are several other factors - in the post-covid era - that are essential to ensure a bright future for the airline industry.
Let's start with the development of air cargo is another example of this new horizons for the airline industry. The freight reached its peak capacity during the last months. The near-total stop of commercial passenger routes during the lockdown period has led to a sharp increase in prices on all-cargo aircraft.
The new capitalistic partnership between Air France and CMA-CGM is a good illustration of the pace of the global economy. The opening of additional air routes was strategic for airlines looking for cash. However, the impact of limited cargo capacities might be a new financial issue for people and organizations.
At International SOS, we work both for organizations with business travelers and we also help airline stake-holders with medical staffing and resources to make sure everything is in their hands to mitigate any sanitary or security risk when operating. Our mission is to help them to be confident to meet their industry’s new challenges. Our role is to help business travelers to travel the world in the best conditions, both sanitary and safe. The pandemic added to the tense geopolitical context (whether the war in Ukraine or tensions in the China Sea…) are all the reasons to anticipate any kind of crisis.
In light of these threats and environmental issues, companies around the world are reviewing their travel policies and these include a stronger protection of their employees, no matter where they are located. The new ISO 31030 standard we collectively elaborated with different travel stakeholders is a specific guidance to help organizations assess and set all the necessary resources to protect their travelers.
3/ The theme this year is: "How do airlines adapt in a changing world" What is your point of view on this subject?
As many other industries, the airline sector is going fast in tackling the multiple challenges of sustainability. And yet, they need to go even faster. This is a matter of survival especially on domestic and medium-haul routes. The challenge is, despite the economic situation, to find the perfect match between technological innovation, cost control and respect for the environment. I
believe that today's challenges, especially regarding energy and environment, will be the top ones tomorrow.
To adapt in a changing world and reach the virtuous circle, airlines can’t innovate alone. Aircraft manufacturers and engine manufacturers have to participate in the reduction of carbon footprint and reach carbon neutrality in a very short period of time. Many things have been already done, such as new aircraft generations both at Airbus (with the Neo versions) and Boeing. All the players
are concerned by these new environmental challenges.
Just as 9/11 changed the nature of global security, so COVID will have a long-lasting impact on health care management, especially in travel protocols. The airline industry needs to take all the opportunities offered by digital technologies to make the travel experiences better than before. During the pandemic, the majority of travelers faced a complex process to get from one point to another. During this time, experts from around the world have been working to simplify travel processes. At International SOS, we were part of them, taking care of 2.5 million travelers. It was evident for us we had a key role to play in finding solutions to help resume travels. At the very
beginning of this pandemic, we immediately started working on a common framework with the ICC, SGS through a collaboration on what has become the very first large scale use of Covid passports, or vaccination pass with AOKpass, a mobile app to certify and digitize PCR Tests results and vaccination certificates. Digital assets are the best way to match stricter travel protocols and a growing number of travelers worldwide.
Finally, and this is more a prospective point of view, airports will become huge hubs connecting airlines but also trains. Synergies between airlines and railway companies will transform the travel experience by proposing a complete and one-stop-itinerary to the travelers. At International SOS, when helping 9 500 organizations all over the world and 24/7/365 to prepare the travels or their employees, we already take the train into account to support them reaching their CSR and budget targets. Our unique mission is to simplify their lives and make them focus on their own challenges.