The Wrap is a round-up of news in the travel and technology industries, and to keep track of developments in these sectors as the green shoots of recovery slowly take root.
Malaysia Aviation Group introduces campaign to ‘Fly Confidently’ in the new normal
The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the health and safety measures taken by all its airlines namely Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings.
MAG said in a statement the campaign provides passengers with a new set of clear and concise infographic guidelines and resources on the airlines’ official websites and social media platforms.
To kick off the campaign, Malaysia Airlines released a 4.21-minute video titled “Fly Confidently, Fly Malaysia” on its social media platforms showcasing its passengers departing or arriving at the KL International Airport (see video above).
The video also features heightened safety and public health measures by Malaysia Airlines in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and immigration and customs departments at several customer touchpoints. These include check-in counters, immigration and customs areas, Golden Lounges, boarding gate, in-flight and baggage collection areas.
MAG said measures highlighted in the video comply to the guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), World Health Organisation (WHO), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Health Ministry.
The guidelines, which are customised to the airlines’ requirements in facilitating travel under the new normal, include educating passengers on the latest requirements through various communication and imposing social distancing wherever possible.
It also requires passengers to wear face masks at all times, as well as increasing the routine sanitation of self-service kiosks, check-in counters, airline and airport facilities. Thermal scanners via contactless thermometers are also available to screen passengers in addition to contact tracing.
MAG chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said the safety and well being of its passengers and employees was of utmost importance to the company.
“We introduced the Fly Confidently campaign to educate the travelling public on the health and safety measures that we have put in place to travel safely from pre-flight right up to arrival,” he explained
“Under this campaign we produced a series of communication resources such as infographics, travel checklist and advisories, which are available on our website. Passengers can also refer to these materials to understand the steps they can take to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
From 15 July, Malaysia Airlines will provide passengers travelling on its flights a complimentary hygene kit consisting of a face mask, a sachet of hand sanitiser and sanitising wipe, added Izham.
Explorer Dream receives infection prevention certificate
Genting Cruise Lines (GCL) announced that Dream Cruises’ Explorer Dream “is the world’s first cruise ship in the industry” to receive the Certification in Infection Prevention (CIP-M) by global healthcare and classification body DNV GL.
The company said in a press statement the CIP-M certification of Explorer Dream is timely as the ship resumes operations in Taiwan from 26 July. Dream Cruises will be the first cruise line in the world to begin sailing after the global cruise industry was shut down due to the pandemic. It added that the response has been “overwhelming” since the launch of the itineraries in Taiwan,
The CIP-M certification programme, based on DNV GL’s healthcare foundation and expertise in infection risk management, is paving the way in introducing new safety standards customised for the maritime industry, according to GCL.
It added that CIP-M is “based on proven hospital standards and measures against infection risk and further tailored for cruise ships by experts from various fields including the maritime industry.”
GCL president Kent Zhu said: “Genting Cruise Lines is proud to be part of this milestone as we continue to set new standards for our fleet and the maritime industry through the CIP-M certification of Explorer Dream.”
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, regional manager South-ast Asia, Pacific & India for DNV GL- Maritime, added that its new certification would help ship operators to restore passenger confidence and restart operations once the situation allows.”
The cruise company is working with DNV GL on the CIP-M certification programme for all its cruise ships in the near future
Wharf Hotels implements #SafeTravels protocols in its hotels
Wharf Hotels has launched a series of biosecurity protocols at the Niccolo and Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong SAR, mainland China and the Philippines.
According to the hotel group, these protocols “ensure its 17 hotels implement upgraded health and hygiene standards in line with the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) global protocols, enabling guests to continue their journeys of #SafeTravels with ease.”
#SafeTravels is designed to rebuild confidence among consumers and ensure alignment of the private sector said Gloria Guevara, WTTC president & CEO.
“The safety and hygiene of travellers is paramount, which is why our new guidelines for safe and seamless travel, including testing and tracing, are designed to assist in the recovery of travel and tourism through the identification and/or isolation of infected travellers.”
Thomas Salg, vice president operations of Wharf Hotels, said the company is working with multiple partners and organisations to adhere to globally recognised standards. By adding #SafeTravels to guests’ stay, event or visit “their experiences are enriched and relaxed.”
To further ensure safety for its guests Wharf Hotels has introduced paperless and digitised check-in. Its staff and team members are trained and equipped with resources and training needed to execute preventative measures to protect all guests and associates.
• Featured image credit: Malaysia Airlines
