The aviation industry has been pummeled by the outbreak of COVID-19 and it is uncertain what the future of flying will look like. Air France has introduced a number of measures passengers will need to take, once air travel resumes again.
In line with instructions from the French government making the wearing of a mask compulsory on public transport, Air France will ask its customers to wear a mask throughout their journey when flights resume.
Customers will be notified of this via all communication channels (e-mail, sms, websites) prior to their departure and will be asked to ensure they possess one or more masks for their trip.
This is in addition to the measures implemented by Air France and its partners in response to the COVID-19 health crisis, which include:
– The compulsory wearing of masks for all crew members and agents in contact with customers
– The modification of customer channels on the ground with the implementation of physical distancing along the customer journey at the airport and the installation of Plexiglas protection screens at airports each time it is possible
– The implementation of physical distancing on board where possible. On most flights, the current low load factors make it possible to separate customers as required. In cases where this is not possible, requiring all passengers and crew to wear masks ensures adequate health protection
– The reinforcement of daily aircraft cleaning procedures, with the disinfection of all surfaces in contact with customers such as armrests, tables and screens
– The introduction of a specific procedure for the periodic disinfecting aircraft by spraying an approved virucidal product effective for 10 days
– Adapting in-flight service to limit interaction between customers and crew members. On domestic flights and short flights in Europe, meal and beverage services have been suspended. On long-haul flights, cabin service is limited and preference is given to individually wrapped products.
In addition, the air in the cabin is renewed every 3 minutes. The air recycling system on board Air France aircraft is equipped with “High Efficiency Particulate Air” or HEPA filters, identical to those used in hospital operating theatres. These filters extract more than 99.99% of the smallest viruses, including those no larger than 0.01 micrometres, thus ensuring that cabin air complies with quality standards. Coronavirus type viruses, ranging in size from 0.08 to 0.16 micrometres, are filtered through the HEPA filters.
Air France reminds passengers that the health and safety of customers and staff is an absolute priority. All the airline’s teams are fully mobilised to ensure the highest levels of health and safety for its customers and to ensure they travel in complete confidence.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has also announced that it will ask its customers to wear a mask throughout their journey when their flights resume. Passengers are responsible for providing their own face masks.
In view of the changing nature of regulations and legislation, face masks will remain compulsory until further notice.
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