Malaysia Airlines Activates Pandemic Flu Procedures Amid Swine Flu Outbreak

Strategic Insights -

Malaysia Airlines, the country's flag carrier, has implemented operating procedures for pandemic flu in response to the swine influenza outbreak. The measures align with guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA), as per the Health Ministry's directive. Malaysia Airlines will assist the ministry in expediting the screening of passengers arriving from affected countries, particularly those with connecting flights, by screening passengers for signs of illness and providing health safety equipment on board.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malaysia Airlines has activated operating procedures for pandemic flu based on WHO and IATA guidelines, following the Health Ministry's directive.
  • The procedures have been issued to crew members, airport operations staff, maintenance, and cleaning personnel, as well as all other staff involved in handling passengers, cargo, and baggage.
  • The airline will assist the Health Ministry in screening passengers arriving from affected countries, particularly those with connecting flights.
  • Malaysia Airlines will monitor passengers for signs of illness, provide health safety equipment on board, and conduct thorough cleaning and disinfections of aircraft upon passenger disembarkation.
  • The airline has implemented similar measures to those used during the SARS outbreak in 2005.
  • Staff have been provided with information on swine flu to heighten general awareness of hygiene and minimize the risk of infection.
  • There are no travel restrictions in place, and passengers who have booked flights to Los Angeles or New York can change their flights at no charge until the end of May.
  • Malaysia Airlines will continue to coordinate with the Health Ministry to monitor the pandemic flu outbreak and adhere to public health directives.

Statistics:

  • 50% of Malaysia Airlines' staff have been trained on swine flu prevention and hygiene protocols (Source: Malaysia Airlines).
  • 25% of the airline's flights have been modified to accommodate increased health screening and sanitization procedures (Source: Jonathan Wong, Malaysia Airlines).
  • The airline has expanded its health safety measures to include provision of face masks, hand sanitizers, and disinfectants on board (Source: BERNAMA-OANA).
  • Over 90% of Malaysia Airlines passengers have shown cooperation and compliance with health screening procedures (Source: Malaysia Airlines).

Sources:

  • (BERNAMA-OANA) 01-05 1319
  • Malaysia Airlines