ADAPTING THE PANDEMIC WITH NEW PROTOCOLS

AirAsia is leading the way in navigating the new normal of aviation as it works with the
government to develop a safety standard for COVID-19. AirAsia presented safety standards to be
followed in the local aviation sector in a presentation to the transport authorities. These new
standards set out the airport and airline responsibilities for the operation of airlines, including
domestic, restitution and freight airlines, to make sure that all on-the-ground and in-flight
precautions are take

The steps proposed are considered to be essential inputs in the guidance issued by the
Ministry of Transport in the air transport industry. The government recommendations have acted
as a key resource in the preparation of AirAsia crews and staff in coping with the public health
crisis. Training requires a study of aviation technologies, in particular the cabin filter system.
The air in the airplane pass through effective HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that
reduce pollution every 2 to 3 minutes by eliminating almost the entire range of particles.

Firstly, until entering the airport terminal outside the airport and on board the plane, all
passengers must wear face masks. In order to prevent overcrowding, the airport authority
maintains that only travelers arriving on that day can reach the terminal. In addition, healthcare
monitoring facilities and temperature detectors are situated at various stations, including access
points and boarding gates. Social distances are specifically applied by naming the floor in
waiting areas such as check-in desks, security, x-ray luggage, and gates. Hand disinfectants are
also given in the public areas of the terminal for sanitation and hygiene purposes. Contactless
boarding protocols are also in operation. Travelers are advised to use digital flight information in
order to prevent physical contact. (H.G.X. Ling, 2020)

Airline personnel must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when in operation, in
the proximity of the airport and on board the aircraft. Airport employees must also wear personal
safety devices while they are on service, either near the airport or on board the aircraft. Regular
disinfection happens especially in high-traffic areas and on high-contact surfaces, such as check-
in desks, laptops and counter-peripheral equipment, wheelchairs, trolleys, Automated Teller
Machine (ATM) and vending machines, kiosks, lift switches, x-ray machines and trays, trolleys,
public waiting rooms and door handles. (M.N. Anis,2020)
 Next, all aircraft undergo rigorous washing and hygiene to monitor or neutralize
infectious elements and thereby minimize the chance of virus transmission. Plane sterilization
occurs before and after a trip. In addition, all aircraft are fitted with air filter systems that avoid
the transmission of toxins from the air and thus decrease the risk of virus infection. Air passes
into heavy HEPA filters in the cabin (High Efficiency Particulate Air). These filters are similar to
those used in hospital operating theaters, where airborne diseases are significantly smaller than
usual environments (M. Amzar, 2020)

Land and cabin crews have undergone sufficient instruction to recognize and handle
travelers with signs requiring regulatory approval. In-flight evacuation procedures are also in
force, including the selection of seating and separate toilets for sick passengers.

Social distance steps will remain in place upon arrival. The marks on the floor near the
conveyor belt are used as references. Hand sanitizers are often placed in main locations. A
mandatory quarantine period shall be defined for all incoming passengers in compliance with the
legislative requirements. Passengers who are ill or accused of being sick are tended by licensed
specialists.

In the meantime, transit travelers cannot depart the airport in conjunction with the
government partners involved. Many of these security initiatives are broadcast on a number of
platforms, including all of the digital displays at or standing at the airport. In order to increase
understanding and compliance, both concerned staff and travelers will be notified of these
directives. (Flying safe with AirAsia, 2020)