By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, June 8: Low cost carrier AirAsia welcomed the announcement of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, effective from June 10 to revive Malaysia’s economy.
AirAsia in a statement today said in recent weeks, countries around the world are resuming domestic travel and gradually reopening international borders in recognition that air transport provides the connectivity that is essential for the resumption of economic activities.
“The formation and discussion of “travel bubbles” and “green lanes” with key economic partners with a low infection rate and proven pandemic curbing systems, is a step in the right direction.
“The aviation and tourism sectors account for around four per cent and 10 per cent of world Gross Domestic Product (GDP) respectively.
“Over 65 million jobs are supported worldwide in the aviation sector, while one in 10 jobs around the world is contributed by the tourism sector.
“Air travel remains one of the safest modes of travel,” it said.
Citing information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the low cost carrier gathered that the risk of Covid-19 transmission on board is extremely low.
AirAsia revealed that aircraft are equipped with features that will reduce the already low risk of transmission onboard.
The low cost carrier asserted that passengers are seated facing forward with the seat back serving as a solid barrier, while the cabin air is fully filtered and renewed every two to three minutes through the hospital-grade high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, ensuring clean cabin air.
Coupled with a layered approach of biosafety measures covering the entire passenger journey, AirAsia believed the risk of Covid-19 transmission onboard is further minimised.
“At AirAsia, the health and well being of our passengers remain our paramount concern.
“Besides complying with the advice and regulations from government and health authorities, AirAsia has also implemented end-to-end contactless procedures and a series of new safety measures as well as taking care of those most at risk to ensure the safety of all travelling guests,” it added. —DayakDaily
