The parent firm of British Airways has demanded government action in “four key areas” to help facilitate the restart of foreign travel while revealing a reduction in first quarter losses.

International Airlines Group (IAG) argued that the authorities globally needed to assist airlines begin the process of economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis through measures to encourage ease of travel.

Speaking hours before the UK was due to outline which countries it would allow its citizens to fly to, in an easing of restrictions expected from 17 May, IAG said travel corridors without restrictions should be allowed between countries with successful vaccination rollouts.

It singled out the UK and US as examples.

The company’s list also demanded:

• Affordable, simple and proportionate testing to replace quarantine and costly, multi-layered testing.

• Well-staffed borders using contactless technology including e-gates to ensure a safe, smooth flow of people and frictionless travel.

• Digital passes for testing and vaccination documentation to facilitate international travel.