A lengthy shakeup lies ahead for the airline industry. Airline and Charter companies are implementing new or revised company guidelines and government regulations to protect the health and safety of travelers and crew members. Organizations that rely on a remote workforce are now starting to communicate the new health and safety procedures to their employees.
Here are some of the most common practices adopted by airlines across the world.
At the airport:
- All Aircrafts are stringently cleaned after each flight;
- Most aircrafts are equipped with HEPA filters, which means it captures 99.9% of airborne particles while refreshing cabin air;
- Protective face coverings are mandatory at all times;
- Airport employees are equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes face masks, gloves, single use gowns, etc.;
- More hand sanitizing stations have been added;
- Some restaurants and shops in the airport are closed or running on a limited schedule;
- Many airport lounges are temporary closed.
At check-in / boarding:
- Online check-in is strongly encouraged to minimize contacts;
- Gate counters are cleaned regularly;
- Passengers need to be prepared to answer a few health-related questions before boarding the aircraft or to fill in a health questionnaire;
- To enforce social distancing measures, only up to five rows can board at the same time;
- Passengers that are deemed to be unfit for travel can be denied.
During the flight:
- Airlines leave the middle seat of each row empty to respect the social distancing measures;
- The food and beverage offering has changed for many companies. Many offer only bottled water or, when included, a pre-packaged meal/snack;
- Some companies provide “care kits” to its customers that include complimentary gloves, face mask, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
Even when non-essential travel will be permitted, some will still be reluctant to fly after this crisis. Therefore, organizations that depend on an in-person workforce for their operations will have to accompany and support their workers who need to fly to a remote location. That’s why at NOMADIS, we will continue to update our clients with pertinent information for Safe and Health Workforce Logistics.
Travel Safely!
The Nomadis Team
