China coronavirus: airlines ramping up efforts to contain risk of transmission among staff, passengers
- Taiwan’s China Airlines will make sweeping changes to its in-flight services to Hong Kong, mainland China and Macau
- Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have stopped pilots and cabin crew from staying overnight in mainland China until further notice
Airlines are ramping up efforts to contain the risk of transmitting the Wuhan coronavirus, with Taiwan’s China Airlines implementing measures to minimise contact between staff and passengers, and Cathay Pacific ending layovers in mainland China for pilots and cabin crew.
China Airlines will make sweeping changes to its in-flight services to Hong Kong, mainland China and Macau until further notice to limit the spread of the novel virus, the company announced, by reducing non-essential reusables for disposable items.
The precautions are being adopted amid concerns that all travellers infected with the coronavirus may not present immediate symptoms and the transmission of the virus is not well understood either.
Aircraft sections – including tray tables, arm rests and overhead luggage lockers – will also be treated with extra disinfection.
Tablecloths and napkins will be swapped with paper towels, hot meals will be suspended and replaced by disposable meal boxes or bags, beverages and disposable headphones will only be served on request, and disposable headrest covers will be used.