AirAsia Philippines now requires face shields when flying

Aviation Updates Philippines – Low-cost airline AirAsia Philippines now requires passengers on its flights to wear face shields as part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) initiative against COVID-19 in all public transportation modes.

Citing the DOTr, AirAsia said the mandatory use of face shields would be effective starting August 15, 2020. The low-cost airline presently requires passengers to wear any face mask to prevent the virus’s spread as early as checking-in.

On Wednesday, the DOTr said it “...will require ALL PASSENGERS using any mode of public transportation to wear FACE SHIELD as an additional “armor” in the fight to prevent this sector from becoming a transmission vector of the virus.”

AirAsia has since rolled out enhanced safety measures to protect its guests. It currently adopts a multi-layered system that starts from check-in and continues until arrival at the destination airport. 

Health screening stations and thermal scanners can also be found inside the terminal, especially at entry and exit points. Physical distancing is also being strictly enforced using floor markings at queueing locations such as check-in counters, immigration, baggage x-rays, and boarding gates.

Like other airlines, AirAsia’s aircraft are also equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that purify the air every two to three minutes by screening almost the entire spectrum of particles.

READ: AirAsia assures safety with enhanced safety measures

On a separate report, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said: “AirAsia has always put people and their safety first. Our innovations have gone beyond new products and digital solutions to include new protocols for a safer journey. Over and above local and international travel regulations, guests can confidently fly with us again.”

Handout photo from AirAsia