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The latest developments in sanitation and bio-safety
Airlines are continuing to introduce sanitation and bio-safety initiatives to reassure passengers that they will be flying in a sanitary cabin environment. Here are some of the most recent developments:
Delta works with the Mayo Clinic
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Delta was of course the first major airline to make “clean” a long term brand attribute with the launch of ‘Delta Clean’ in April. Delta’s latest COVID-19 related announcement sees the airline working with the Mayo Clinic.
Delta says that the partnership will encompass three areas: COVID testing for the full Delta workforce, the establishment of an advisory council to assess Delta’s procedures, and customer health consulting.
The latter involves advising “Delta on best practices for customers regarding COVID-19 prevention, including the use of effective personal protective equipment, and guidance on how Delta can continue to provide a safe and clean travel experience.”
Saudia teams up with disinfectant brand Dettol
In May, United launched its ‘United Clean Plus’ Covid19 reassurance campaign with household disinfectant Clorox on board, as well as the Cleveland Clinic.
Now an airline outside the US, Saudia, has teamed up with a major consumer cleaning brand, in this case Dettol.
As part of the partnership, Dettol products, such as sanitizing wipes, will be used on board by passengers. Saudia and Dettol say that this will soon be extended to other areas including aircraft hygiene.
At the same time, Dettol will provide information and advice on keeping yourself safe during the pandemic.
Both the United / Clorox and Saudia / Dettol partnerships are great tie-ups for a number of reasons.
People who may be nervous about flying are greeted with a brand name they trust in their own homes and that they themselves associate with ‘clean.’
Meanwhile, it works for Dettol and Clorox as well. It reinforces their brand positioning as being the gold standard of cleanliness, and gives them a large amount of exposure at gates and on aircraft.
Etihad ‘Wellness Ambassadors’
Recently in one of our newsletters, we shared a picture asking readers to choose from four airline uniforms that would make them feel the safest, from normal clothes to full blown Hazmat style outfits as recently shown by Qatar Airways.
The problem is that the latter approach could do more to put passengers off than reassure them. Hence, it’s interesting to see how Etihad has positioned its own Covid19 travel programme, using the pleasing and positive sounding word ‘wellness.’
According to Etihad’s SVP of Sales and Distribution, Duncan Bureau, Etihad is claiming to be
On the relevant Etihad webpage, the airline says that this ‘’specially trained team of Wellness Ambassadors’’....’’will be on hand to answer your questions and share advice on staying safe during your trip. Our Wellness Ambassadors will also help to ensure that global health and hygiene regulations are being fully adhered to, to keep you protected when you travel.’’
The wellness ambassadors are underpinned by a range of other measures (branded as ‘wellness initiatives’) such as ‘’wellness kits’’ (basically hygiene and sanitation kits), a ‘refreshed’ Covid19 safe meal service and new sanitary seat covers and carpets on board.
Normally, when you think of wellness you think of something like a spa, or a health regime.
As a result, it’s an interesting use of branding by Etihad, that softens the new Covid19 sanitation regime that every airline is having to introduce.
Alaska Airlines - Yellow Cards
In a June newsletter, we covered the case of US Conservative activist Brandon Straka, who was kicked off an American Airlines flight (and ultimately banned) for refusing to wear a mask.
Straka was sanctioned for arguing with the cabin crew, but as this Washington Post article says, it is unclear what exactly airlines can do against maskless passengers, as wearing a mask is not US Federal Law.
Airlines are however starting to get tougher. The Washington Post notes that Delta now makes mask wearing a condition for boarding (there are some exceptions, such as for a cognitive or physical disability).
Meanwhile Alaska Airlines is adopting a yellow card approach - effectively handing out one warning, after which you could see yourself being suspended from flying with the airline. As Alaska Airlines said in a blog post:
Underpinning Alaska Airlines’ tougher new procedures, passengers are also being asked to sign a health agreement during check in, which includes a commitment to adhering to the mask policy.
Passengers who have forgotten a mask will be handed one, and Alaska Airlines is also giving out hand sanitizer wipes.
As the airline says: “We realize a piece of fabric across your nose and mouth is probably not your ideal way to travel. But if we all take that small step while flying, we’ll be better off in the long run.” at gates and on aircraft.
Qatar Airways - Face Shields now mandatory
Qatar Airways is currently using the tagline, “Travel safely with the airline you can trust”, and is therefore very much selling itself on its sanitation procedures.
Not only is Qatar Airways making passengers wear face masks, in a July 2nd announcement the airline said that it would now be introducing face shields as well - at least in economy.
The airline says that all Qatar Airways passengers will be provided with a complimentary protective kit. Inside a ziplock pouch they will find a single-use surgical face mask, large disposable powder-free gloves and an alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel. Business Class customers will also be offered an additional 75ml sanitiser gel tube.
In May pictures emerged of Qatar Airways crew wearing what look almost like Hazmat suits. This has been softened with a new look - new disposable protective gowns for cabin crew that are fitted over their uniforms, in addition to safety glasses, gloves and a mask. The new branded gowns are personalised with Qatar Airways’ logo imprinted on the top left corner.
Star Alliance, One World and SkyTeam - Dear Travellers
The three global airline alliances - Star Alliance, One World and Skyteam - came together last week to produce a video that outlines the steps the world’s major airlines are taking to keep passengers safe during the pandemic.
This includes mask wearing on board by passengers and staff, physical distancing (where possible) at airports, and the use of HEPA filters to filter the cabin air.
Separately coinciding with its 20th anniversary, SkyTeam announced SkyCare&Protect.
According to a SkyTeam press release, “SkyCare&Protect currently consists of 15 measures, based on five layers of protection that enhance personal safety at every step of the journey.”
