Air services provider dnata has taken several measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees and passengers
Since the pandemic outbreak started, the company’s expert teams have worked to develop and implement a comprehensive health and safety programme, enhancing services, processes and training across the company’s operations.
Dnata has implemented disinfection programmes, introduced new personal protection measures and further improved aircraft cleaning services to protect its personnel and provide safety for its airline partners and passengers.
Steve Allen, divisional senior vice-president, UAE Airport Operations and Travel, dnata, said, “The impact of COVID-19 on the aviation, travel and tourism industries has been rapid and significant. We are all in this together and can only overcome the challenges if we join forces with our partners and put the health and safety of people at the heart of everything we do.
“We have further improved services, processes and training to adapt to the new operating environment and help our airline customers restore consumers’ confidence in travel.”
In May, dnata completed a mass disinfection programme of all ground support equipment (GSE) in order to protect its employees and clients' passengers. At two Dubai airports, more than 11,500 pieces of GSE including buses, passenger steps, baggage dollies and pushback tractors have been disinfected.
A bowser spray unit and handheld sanitation units were used to ensure that the most efficient disinfection was performed on all airside equipment, including the company's cargo operations.
In addition to disinfecting its equipment and facilities, dnata provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees, including face masks and hand sanitisers.
Detailed guidelines on wearing and safe disposal of PPE was provided to staff in different roles. A dedicated team conducts regular safety inspections, with daily team briefings to ensure all guidelines are understood and followed.
Dnata also worked closely with Dubai Airports to maximise passenger safety from check-in to boarding throughout their airport journey. Check-in desks with protective barriers were installed at the airport, and waiting areas were modified to help passengers observe social distancing.
The boarding process is facilitated by dnata’s boarding agents, who wear the required PPE and ensure that passengers board in small numbers. The boarding gates are cleaned and disinfected after the boarding of every flight.
In addition, dnata has enhanced its aircraft cabin cleaning services. The process involves extensive cleaning with a stronger disinfectant. It includes a comprehensive wipe-down of all surfaces – from windows, tray tables, seatback screens, armrests, seats, in-seat controls, panels, cabin air vents and overhead lockers to washrooms, galleys and resting areas for crew members.
The on-board cleaning chemicals, which have been approved by the relevant authorities, leave a long-lasting protective coating on the surfaces against new contamination of viruses, bacteria and fungi and are environmentally friendly. On most flights, a dedicated quality team and shift managers oversee the cleanup.
