Emirates to resume commercial flights to nine cities on 21st May
The Emirates airline will resume commercial flights to nine cities on 21 May, the company announced in a press release available on its website on Wednesday. The destinations selected to revive the activity include Madrid, London, Paris, Milan, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne.
The company warns in its note that passengers will only be accepted on these flights if they meet a number of requirements, such as the entry criteria of their destination countries. For example, for residents of the Emirates wishing to return to Dubai they will need the approval of the Federal Citizenship and Identity Authority.
"We are very pleased to resume regular passenger services to these destinations, offering more options for customers to travel from the Emirates to these cities, and also between the UK and Australia. We are continuing to work with the authorities to re-plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations," said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Operations Director, in a statement issued by the company.
The airline was forced to suspend all passenger flights on 25 March, with no return date, while maintaining its cargo vessels for goods and essential items. Emirates CEO Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum explained on that occasion that the company has a strong balance sheet and cash liquidity to withstand a time of reduced flights. On April 15, Emirates became the first airline to test the COVID-19 on its entire ticket before a flight between Dubai and Tunis. In addition, the airline has reduced the salary for most of its employees for three months by 25-50%, and has frozen all non-essential recruitment and consulting work.
The company has reinforced precautionary measures on flights to prevent customers from being infected during the flight. "The safety and well-being of our passengers and employees are the priority," the company's press release explains. At Dubai International Airport, customers and employees will have to check their temperature using thermal scanners. Protective barriers have been installed at check-in counters to provide additional security during interaction. Gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees at the airport.
In addition, Emirates cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff who interact directly with travelers will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes a disposable protective gown and a safety visor. Social distancing protocols will also be implemented. At this airport, this includes the placement of physical markers on the ground and in airport waiting areas to ensure that travellers maintain a safe distance.
For health and safety reasons and to minimise on-board interaction, Emirates will be offering a different kind of on-board service that focuses on reducing contact and the risk of infection. Magazines and printed reading material will not be available during this time. Cabin baggage must be checked in and customers may only carry essential items such as a laptop computer, handbag, briefcase or baby items on board.
Emirates has implemented a new security system to prevent infection in aircraft cabins, which have been fitted with HEPA air filters. These devices eliminate 99.97% of the virus and remove dust, allergens and germs from the air, says the group's statement. After their journey and upon landing in Dubai, each aircraft will undergo enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitization.
