Bangkok--24 Jun--Thai Airways International
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) recently held a briefing session about the implementation of measures to prevent the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus in order to boost THAI passenger confidence. Members of the press observed the procedure used to clean and disinfect the aircraft interior.
Flight Lieutenant Pratana Patanasiri, THAI Vice President of Aviation Safety, Security & Standards Department; Mr. Griangsak Sakruangngam, THAI Managing Director of Ground Equipment Services Department; and Mr. Montree Chancharoen, THAI Director of Line Maintenance Department, participated in the briefing session at THAI's Technical Department. Flt. Lt. Pratana Patanasiri said that due to news about the MERS virus outbreak and THAI flights within the affected areas, the Company released information about its preventive measures with consideration to aircraft service provision and staff safety, in an effort to boost passenger confidence. The Company's preventive MERS measures are as follows:
1. Screen passengers and ground customer services measure: monitor passengers before check-in and in some cases maybe required to present a doctor's letter of health certification.
2. Service on board measure: monitor passengers during the flight.
3. Prepare the aircraft and sterilization measure: spray antibacterial solution inside the aircraft while the aircraft is parked at the airport.
4. Aircraft cleaning measure: deep clean and disinfect 36 touch points in the passenger cabin.
5. Preventive and safeguard measure regarding staff sanitation: carry personal protective equipment on board and educate staff about preventive health care.
6. Commercial mail and cargo measure: check containers and prevent delivery of suspected goods.
7. Dietary measure: select raw materials, use clean meal preparation methods, and avoid risks of infection.
Furthermore, THAI implemented these prevention measures since the SARS outbreak in 2003, H5N1 in 2004, and Ebola in 2014, whereby these measures received recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, THAI is collaborating with the Ministry of the Public Health to closely monitor the situation and other measures that have been implemented by the Ministry of Public Health.