Saudi Arabian Airlines bags Diamond status for health safety

The Kingdom’s national flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has been awarded the Diamond status by APEX Health Safety, powered by Simpliflying, for the airline’s efforts in ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation across its operations.

The Diamond status from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) is an accolade that recognizes industry leadership and stewardship in ensuring that the airline is deploying stringent measures in safety and protection from COVID-19.

Saudia CEO Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy said: “Saudia places the safety of its guests and team members as its highest priority and is committed to exemplary, rigorous sanitization protocols for every step of the journey.

“Safety is paramount. Our team is dedicated to excellence and is ready to provide Saudia’s signature hospitable service onboard while following the coronavirus safety measures, which the airline has instituted.”

APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader said: “Saudia’s rise to become a 2021 APEX five-star airline has now been further advanced by reaching the pinnacle Diamond-level of hospital-grade health safety for the well-being of every customer.

“With APEX’s 42-years serving as a global nonprofit dedicated entirely to advancing airline passenger experience, Saudia’s commitment to customer care has never shined as brightly as proven now by SimpliFlying’s exhaustive, scientifically-based review.”

Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying, a global aviation strategy firm, said: “Saudia has raised the bar for health safety standards in the industry by initiatives such as the brand partnership with Dettol and sanitization of lavatories after each use. Taking such hospital-grade measures in ensuring health safety goes a long way in bolstering trust among travelers.”

A few of Saudia’s health and safety protocols include the following:

Digital boarding passes

All guests flying with the airline are required to display a digital boarding pass at check-in and boarding counters.

Full sterilization after every flight

Saudia utilizes UVC ultraviolet rays to sterilize its aircraft seats. The new technology works by launching ultraviolet rays to sterilize cabin surfaces within 10 minutes, in a fully medium-sized cabin. UVC sanitation protocols are in full effect after every flight.

Employee testing and kits

Saudia screens all frontline staff and cabin crew members prior to each flight. The airline’s cabin crew wear full PPE kits onboard, which include: Disposable gloves, face masks, eye shield/ goggles, and medical gown.

Social distancing onboard

The cabin crew and check-in team members are mindful of maintaining social distancing at all times with other crew members, ground staff and guests.

Personal kits

All guests flying with Saudia receive a Dettol hygiene kit for comfort throughout their journey.

Onboard cuisine All food and beverages distributed onboard are sealed. Cutlery and flatware are all disposable and presented to passengers within a safety packet.