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SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines received the highest rating in a global audit of airline health and safety standards amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the national airline announced on Tuesday (January 19).
The “diamond” rating is awarded to airlines that achieve “hospital-level health security,” according to a press release from the audit organizers, the non-profit Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the marketing firm. SimpliFlying aviation.
“Singapore Airlines’ commitment to customer well-being shines through through contactless travel management enhanced by best-in-class onboard hygiene,” said Dr. Joe Leader, CEO of APEX.
The airline has invested in the well-being of passengers by implementing the latest advancements in health passport testing and technology, he added.
SimpliFlying CEO Shashank Nigam said SIA has “raised the bar” for health and safety standards with initiatives such as near-touch check-in kiosks, mobile notifications for baggage delays, and digitization of onboard menus and magazines.
“Taking hospital-grade measures to ensure health safety will help build trust among travelers,” he said.
READ: Singapore strengthens COVID-19 measures for aircrew, including more frequent PCR tests
The “APEX Health Safety Powered by SimpliFlying” audit includes a 58-point checklist covering 10 health and safety categories.
These include testing, tracking, ground procedures, in-flight measurements, and partnerships that promote the integrity of airline product safety.
Airlines that clearly meet and exceed “all necessary health standards” for the safety and well-being of passengers listed in the questionnaire are rated “gold standard,” organizers said.
Those who score within 100 points above the gold standard receive a platinum rating, while those who score at least 200 points above receive a diamond rating.
Thirty-three airlines are currently going through the review process, organizers said on January 12. SIA is among the first 12 airlines to be certified.
Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air Canada, Saudia, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Britain’s Virgin Atlantic also receive the diamond rating.
SriLankan Airlines and JetSmart de Chile were rated platinum.
The standards were developed to increase customer safety as more passengers return to the skies, APEX and SimpliFlying said.
“Airline certification is expected to increase customer awareness of aligned industry health safety standards, foster more informed air travel choices, and increase air travel by at least 2 percent on certified airlines. in 2021, “they added.
READ: Singapore Airlines Staff Members Eligible to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning Jan 13
“UNCLEARABLE COMMITMENT”
Receiving the diamond rating was an acknowledgment of SIA’s “unwavering commitment” to safeguarding the well-being of passengers and staff, said Yeoh Phee Teik, the airline’s senior vice president of customer experience.
“At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a comprehensive review of our health and safety measures together with our partners and regulators, in consultation with medical experts and taking into account customer feedback,” he said.
“Our teams delved into many control points along the end-to-end customer journey.
“We reinforced existing procedures where necessary, improved some of them, introduced new measures to complement them, and used digital technologies to complement them and support a smoother travel experience.”
In December, the airline began testing a new digital health verification app that allows it to validate a passenger’s COVID-19 test results and vaccination information.
SIA said in a press release that its pre-departure measures include basic passenger health assessments and contactless services such as mobile check-in and onboard digital menus.
The antimicrobial coating is regularly applied to high-touch surfaces, including lounge areas, as well as aircraft cabin sections, including bathrooms. On select aircraft, electrostatic spray machines containing a sanitizing agent are used to sanitize the cabin.
During the flight, all passengers and crew must wear masks unless they are eating or drinking. Cabin crew should also wear protective goggles and gloves when necessary, while interacting with customers.
On flights to and from the UK and South Africa, the cabin crew must also wear full personal protective equipment.
While physical newspapers and magazines have been eliminated, passengers get a free electronic library through their personal tablets and mobile devices. Meal services have also been streamlined to reduce contact.
In addition, all SIA aircraft are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and the cabin air “is updated every two to three minutes throughout the flight,” the airline said.
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