Singapore Airlines receives the highest diamond rating in the global airline health and safety assessment

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Singapore Airlines (hereinafter referred to as Singapore Airlines) won the highest diamond rating in the global airline health and safety assessment launched by the Air Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and SimpliFlying.

The assessment was jointly carried out by the industry organization Air Passenger Experience Association and the aviation strategy company SimpliFlying, covering a total of 58 key lists in 10 categories. These assessments include testing, tracking, ground procedures, in-flight measures, and partnerships to further enhance the safety factor.

The diamond rating is the highest achievable level of the evaluation, at least 200 points higher than the minimum gold standard set by the Air Passenger Experience Association and SimpliFlying for passenger safety and health. Its standards are based on independently verified, verified and certified air passenger health and safety measures.

Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Management Yang Pide said: "In the early days of the pandemic, Singapore Airlines consulted medical experts, accepted feedback from passengers, and conducted a comprehensive review of health and safety measures with partners and regulatory agencies.

"Our team has thoroughly researched many end-to-end verification points during the journey. Some necessary existing procedures have been strengthened and improved, and some new measures have been introduced and digital technologies have been used to improve them, providing passengers with more seamless Travel experience."

"Achieving a diamond rating in this assessment is a recognition of our commitment to maintaining the safety and health of passengers and employees in all business areas. Singapore Airlines is known for its industry-leading products and services, and we will continue to ensure world-class health And safety standards are an essential part of our brand promise."

JoeLeader, CEO of the Air Passenger Experience Association, said, “Singapore Airlines has fulfilled its commitment to passengers through non-contact journey management and strict in-flight health protection. As an airline that has passed the Diamond Health and Safety Certification, Singapore Airlines has achieved advanced The advanced detection technology and health pass technology have taken another step forward while investing in passenger health."

Shashank Nigam, founder and CEO of Simplifying, said, “Singapore Airlines has taken a series of measures to improve the industry’s health and safety standards, such as near-touch self-check-in counters, mobile client bag delay notifications, and on-board electronic menus and magazines. Ensuring health and safety by taking hospital-level measures will help strengthen trust among travelers."

Singapore Airlines health and safety measures

Singapore Airlines has introduced comprehensive health and safety measures to ensure the safety of our passengers and employees. Measures before take-off include basic passenger health assessment, as well as non-contact services such as mobile client online check-in and in-flight electronic menus.

Singapore Airlines regularly applies antimicrobial coatings to high-contact surfaces, including lounges, various areas in the cabin and washrooms. On certain flights, electrostatic spray equipment containing disinfectants is also used to disinfect the cabin.

During the flight, Singapore Airlines requires all passengers and staff to wear masks unless they are dining or drinking. Flight attendants are also required to wear goggles and gloves when necessary. On flights departing from certain regions, flight attendants are also required to wear protective clothing.

Although all paper newspapers and magazines have been removed, passengers can access the Singapore Airlines Electronic Library through personal tablets and mobile devices for free, which has more than 1,000 publications worldwide. In order to reduce contact, the in-flight meal service has also been simplified, but Singapore Airlines has reintroduced very popular dishes such as satay and garlic bread for high-end passengers.

Each aircraft of the Singapore Airlines Group is equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can effectively filter more than 99.99% of particulate matter including airborne viruses and bacteria. The air in the cabin continuously convections inside and outside, keeping the cabin air in an efficient filtration cycle every 2-3 minutes. Wash and replace all earphones, headrest towels, pillow cases, bed sheets and blankets immediately after each flight. Linen should be cleaned and disinfected at high temperature after each use.

Singapore Airlines’ precautionary measures e-brochure can be found here, and more information about Singapore Airlines’ health and safety measures can be found here.

In December 2020, Singapore Airlines also launched a trial of the digital health verification program, which is the world's first program based on the IATA travel pass framework. This program enables travelers to safely store and provide information related to the SARS-CoV-2 test and their vaccination status. At the same time, it will also help support the safe and orderly recovery of the aviation industry from the pandemic.