Qatar Airways cabin crew will wear hazmat suits for "even greater reassurance"

May 19 2020, 6:43 pm

Airlines around the world have been implementing a vast assortment of health and safety precautionary measures and protocols to ensure the wellbeing of staff and travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From implementing HEPA air filtration systems on aircraft to requiring passengers to wear masks and even some airports implementing onsite testing services, there is no denying that the air travel industry has faced unprecedented challenges and obstacles brought on by coronavirus.

Now, world-renowned airline Qatar Airways is taking its standard of safety to an entirely new level by having its cabin crew wear full-on hazmat suits while they work. The suits, described as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits, will be worn by crew members over their uniforms.

They will additionally wear safety goggles, gloves, and masks to “provide even greater reassurance to customers in addition to enhanced hygienic measures already in place.”

The new measure comes in association with multiple other procedures, including modified service to reduce the amount of physical interaction between crew and passengers inflight.

As well, starting Monday, May 25, Qatar Airways will require passengers to wear facial coverings inflight and also urges customers to bring their own to ensure the best possible fit and comfort.

“As an airline, we maintain the highest possible hygiene standards to ensure that we can fly people home safely during this time and provide even greater reassurance that safety is our number one priority,” Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, said in a statement.

“Seeing as we are still flying the world’s largest international network by operating flights to more than 30 destinations around the world, and aiming to grow our network again in the coming months, these onboard safety measures will assist us in achieving our goals.”

The Hamad International Airport in Qatar, the airline’s hub, has also implemented multiple safety protocols to ensure traveller safety through measures such as deploying autonomous disinfectant robots that emit concentrated UV-C light that is known to be successful in removing infectious microorganisms, according to the airline.

Emily RumballEmily Rumball

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