Trump's Whitehouse Discussing Travel Restrictions on ChinaScience/Health and Politics are intricately entwined in America, after all this is the Year of the Rat... or the Year of the Election. If it goes into effect, all of the US based airlines will have to withdraw services to any city in China, and essentially, can no longer provide 6th Freedom Services to China's population, requiring a hop through an US airport.
If Canada bases all its actions on Science and Public Health knowledge, guided by WHO, and does not become as restrictive, Air Canada could be in a position to provide relief to the Chinese (post pre-screening) who wish to travel to Safe Havens elsewhere with a hop through one of the anchor Canadian airports. Yes, this would require an incredible amount of risk management, health/science coordination, special contingencies etc etc. But the point is that business is not meant to be easy. Crisis creates new opportunities. AC management are not newbies in managing crisis. If they put their minds on it, Mr. Rovinescu can make it happen. AC's Safe Haven Services. Personally, I think, besides being a commercially viable opportunity, it would also be viewed by China in ways that would thaw the chill in the political relationship.
There are lots of opportunities during crisis. This is just one idea. Trust that AC management is thinking of many others. As a frequent flyer, I would love to know if airlines can retrofit their aircrafts' air filtration systems with even better ones, and then market the concept, and put in extra efforts into emphasizing the hygenic treatments of the cabins after each flight. Put in a $$ surcharge, most flyers won't mind it.
Happy Investing!