With the resumption of regularly scheduled passenger flights to nine destinations, Emirates has unveiled multifaceted measures for employee and customer care
At every step of the traveller’s journey, Emirates implements a comprehensive set of measures to improve the sanitation of all touchpoints and to ensure the health and safety of its customers and employees.
There is already a very low risk of catching an infection on an aircraft, but Emirates have spared no effort in reviewing and redesigning every step, from check-in to landing. Every measure implemented is an additional risk reduction, and its aim is to make flying as safe as possible.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ chief operating officer, said, “We are working with all the stakeholders in Dubai - including the airport, immigration, health and aviation authorities to implement such measures, and we will continue to review and consult expert advice for any development and changes. We are all aware that we have to adapt to different practices during this pandemic in our day to day activities.
All these measures, in combination with the proactive pandemic management strategies that the UAE has taken, show the seriousness with which we are taking the health and safety of our local and global communities and will give confidence to the public.”
Check-in: Upon check-in at Dubai International Airport and on flights to Dubai, Emirates introduced complimentary hygiene kits to be given to every passenger. These kits include masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and a hand sanitiser. The hygiene kits supplement a slew of additional measures that have already been introduced to safeguard clients.
Gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees at the airport, while only masks are mandated on the flights. Upon arrival at the airport, all passengers and employees are monitored by thermal scanners at various areas. Physical distancing indicators have been placed on the ground and at waiting areas to help travellers maintain the necessary distance at check-in, immigration, boarding and transfer areas.
The airport team has also installed protective barriers at each check-in desk and immigration counter to provide passengers and employees with additional security reassurance during interaction over the counter.
Transit passengers: Upon disembarkation, customers who travel through Dubai International Airport and transfer to another flight will undergo thermal screening. As a precautionary measure, transfer desks were also installed at the airport, with protective barriers. Airport personnel dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE) will direct customers for extra assistance from a safe distance. Customers will be given an additional hygiene kit at the gate before boarding their connecting flight.
Boarding: The boarding sequence has been staggered and passengers board by row, from the last row to the first, in small numbers. The waiting area has also been modified to ensure social distance is observed by all customers. The sequence of boarding will be facilitated by Emirates Boarding Agents, dressed in PPE. After embarking the boarding gates are deeply cleaned and disinfected after the boarding of every flight.
On board: All cabin crew aboard will be fully equipped in PPEs. To uphold the highest safety and hygiene standards, Emirates has added over 1.5 hours of a cabin service assistant (CSA) to the crew's complement on flights. The CSAs will ensure lavatories are cleaned at frequent intervals of every 45 mins. Each lavatory has been equipped with sanitising soap and hand washing instructions.
Magazines and print reading material will not be available during this time to minimise the risk of contagion by touch. In premium classes, the passengers will be provided with single use menus and wine lists. Comfort items such as mattresses, pillows, blankets, headphones and toys will be hygienically sealed. Emirates will resume its service with hot meals, using high quality, cutlery and crockery, sterilised before each use.
Cabin baggage must be checked in and customers can only take on board essential items such as a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. Customers are reminded to bring in pens to fill out the required Health Declaration Form for some destinations.
Emirates’ modern aircraft cabins have been fitted with advanced HEPA air filters which remove 99.97 per cent of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens and germs from cabin air for a healthier and safer on-board environment. After its journey and on landing in Dubai, each aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitation.
Emirates crew: To safeguard its employees, Emirates’ flight and cabin crew are provided with cars for pick up and drop off at their home at the beginning and end of their duty. Operating crew check in for their rostered flights in a dedicated crew airport facility before being transported to the aircraft.
Layovers in destination cities have been reduced where possible and on long-haul flights, where layovers are necessary, crew are put up in individual rooms in hotels. On return to Dubai, where all Emirates cabin crew are based, COVID-19 tests are done on all crew. Every crew member has been mandated a 14-day quarantine in their homes after every flight, unless they are on duty.
