Qatar Airways: 99.988% of Passengers Flown COVID-19-free

Photo Source: @Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways recently reported extremely low numbers of coronavirus cases on board its aircraft after operating more than 4.6 million passenger flown sectors and over 33 billion revenue passenger kilometres on more than 37,000 COVID-19-free flights across the globe since February 2020.

“The success of the airline’s COVID-19 monitoring, detection and hygiene program has resulted in more than 99.988 percent of passengers travelling COVID-19-free on board, with significantly less than one percent of passengers confirmed to have tested positive by local authorities following a Qatar Airways flight,” the airline said in an announcement.

In addition to this, according to Qatar Airways, significantly less than one percent (0.002 percent) of operating cabin crew have been affected on board to date, with no new cases recorded since the airline introduced its full PPE in-flight uniform in May 2020, as well as the inclusion of passenger face shields on all flights.

“These latest statistics are a clear indication that, with the adoption of the right measures such as meticulous on-board safety, hygiene and social distancing procedures in place at airports, and compliance with the testing and entry requirements of local authorities, air travel does not need to be a source of concern to passengers,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker.

According to the latest IATA data, Qatar Airways has become the largest international carrier between April to July by fulfilling its mission of taking people home. This enabled the airline to accumulate unmatched experience in carrying passengers safely and reliably and uniquely positioned the airline to effectively rebuild its network.

“Our risk-based approach has seen us adopt a number of additional measures such as the introduction of PCR testing for passengers departing from ‘high risk’ countries, and the use of the most advanced HEPA air filtration systems on board our aircraft, wherever possible,” Akbar Al Baker added.

This is in addition to the recent introduction of Honeywell’s Ultraviolet Cabin System, operated by Qatar Aviation Services, as an additional step in the cleaning of aircraft.

Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), has also implemented strict cleaning procedures and applied social distancing measures throughout its terminals.