I have been waiting for many days to hear from Indian carriers about what have they been doing to make sure the aircraft is a safe environment for flying. Unfortunately, despite asking, again and again, airlines did not send a response to the public, which would inspire confidence.
Err @IndiGo6E @airvistara @goairlinesindia @airindiain @AirAsiaIndian @OfficialStarAir can you elaborate on how you are cleaning your planes between flights? This is not business as usual times. #indianaviation https://t.co/T0559iqEr6
- Ajay Awtaney (@LiveFromALounge) March 7, 2020
.@IndiGo6E @airvistara @goairlinesindia @airindiain @AirAsiaIndian @OfficialStarAir re-upping this. A couple of you have sent letters to customers. when can we see videos of elaborate cleaning and disinfection of the aircraft to inspire confidence in travelling with you? https://t.co/mGZMQB1PFD
- Ajay Awtaney (@LiveFromALounge) March 15, 2020
A couple of airlines did do a bit of CEO messaging, however, these were missing on the important details, focussing for instance on the HEPA filters fitted on the planes than on the fact that they would have taken initiative on social distancing or stuff. Here are the GoAir communications, for instance, with claims that the aircraft is being cleaned for 6-7 hours. On the other hand, you can check out how airlines in other parts of the world are upgrading their cleaning protocols.
The DGCA has now stepped in and asked airlines to initiate stricter measures to ensure aircraft are cleaner. Here are the SOPs prescribed:
There is also advice to reduce crew interaction with passengers to the bare minimum.
However, there is clearly some more work to be done here. Airlines around the globe have taken more steps which are missing from the Indian aviation's response to the pandemic. Here are some of the things that need to be still done:
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