The Kingdom鈥檚 national flag carrier 海角直播n Airlines (Saudia) has been awarded the Diamond status by APEX Health Safety, powered by Simpliflying, for the airline鈥檚 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: 鈥淪audia 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.
鈥淪afety is paramount. Our team is dedicated to excellence and is ready to provide Saudia鈥檚 signature hospitable service onboard while following the coronavirus safety measures, which the airline has instituted.鈥
APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader said: 鈥淪audia鈥檚 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.
鈥淲ith APEX鈥檚 42-years serving as a global nonprofit dedicated entirely to advancing airline passenger experience, Saudia鈥檚 commitment to customer care has never shined as brightly as proven now by SimpliFlying鈥檚 exhaustive, scientifically-based review.鈥
Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying, a global aviation strategy firm, said: 鈥淪audia 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.鈥
A few of Saudia鈥檚 health and safety protocols include the following:
Digital boarding passes聽
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聽and kits
Saudia screens all frontline staff and cabin crew members prior to each flight.The airline鈥檚 cabin crew wear full PPE kits onboard, which include: Disposable gloves, face masks, eye shield/ goggles, and medical gown.
Social distancing聽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.
