Dragonair introduces temperature checks for all passengers

Dragonair has introduced temperature checks for all passengers throughout its network. The checks, introduced yesterday, have been implemented at all Dragonair destination airports where they were not already being conducted by the authorities.

"All passengers flying with us will have their temperature taken either by the local health authorities or by Dragonair staff," said Stanley Hui, Dragonair's Chief Executive Officer. "This measure, in conjunction with those we are already taking, are designed to assure travellers that we have a safe travelling environment for our passengers during the current outbreak of SARS."

Any passengers who have a fever will be asked to see a doctor before they can fly with Dragonair.

"We appreciate that the measure may cause some inconvenience to passengers, but hope they will understand that it is being introduced in the interests of all our passengers. In cities where temperature checks have already been implemented, travellers have been very supportive."

Dragonair has also announced it will distribute a special SARS kit to passengers when they check in. This contains a leaflet on the measures being taken by Dragonair, a facemask and an alcohol swab. As an added precaution, special sterilising mats are being placed at the entrance to aircraft before passengers board.

Dragonair operates a state-of-the-art passenger fleet of Airbus aircraft, with   an average age of 3.8 years. Fresh air flows into the aircraft cabin continuously, with the entire cabin air volume exchanged every two to three minutes. During that cycle, half of the cabin air volume passes through a set of high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters and half is brought in from outside.

All the airline's passenger aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters. These are 99.9% effective in removing airborne contaminants with a particle size of 0.3 microns and above, including viruses, as confirmed by the aircraft manufacturer, Airbus. These filters provide air quality comparable to hospital operating theatres, while the cabin airflow systems provide more air exchange per hour than is the case in office buildings.

Meanwhile, Dragonair's aircraft cleaning procedures follow guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Air Travel Association (IATA) and the Hong Kong Department of Health, as well as those issued by the aircraft manufacturer.

After every flight the interior of each cabin is thoroughly cleaned using approved disinfectants. Common areas are disinfected and all exposed surfaces are cleaned, including galley counters, tray tables, inseat panel controls, walls and windows. Additional sanitation procedures are performed weekly for each aircraft.