Vietnam Airlines receives the highest 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating
by Skytrax: London, UK
Vietnam Airlines has been Certified with the highest level 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, becoming one of just nine airlines in the world to currently achieve this top recognition.
The Skytrax COVID-19 Airline Safety Accreditation is regarded as a global benchmark for evaluating COVID-19 safe travel.
The COVID-19 Safety Audit was conducted by Skytrax in May / June 2021 and assessed all safety and hygiene protocols introduced by Vietnam Airlines during COVID-19 to enhance customer and staff safety.
Vietnam Airlines President & CEO, Mr. Le Hong Ha said: “We are very proud to be certified with the 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating. This is a testament to the consistent efforts of Vietnam Airlines and is also a reflection of our continued investment to ensure maximum hygiene and safety levels at all stages of the passenger journey. With safety being our top priority, we are committed to implementing the most comprehensive COVID-19 safety program, allowing passengers to travel with confidence. We aspire to work towards a smooth post-pandemic recovery stage, helping the country to combat the pandemic and reinvigorate further economic growth.”
Vietnam Airlines encourages their guests to “Travel with Confidence” having conducted a broad risk assessment across all major customer touchpoints. The airline has leverage its membership of the SkyTeam Alliance and has implemented the “SkyCare & Protect” brand across airports in Vietnam.
Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “Vietnam Airlines has continued flying domestic routes and offering service on a small number of international flights. During this time, the airline has implemented a broad range of enhanced hygiene and revised service measures to keep customers and staff safe during the pandemic. The protocols are being applied consistently and with suitable consideration for the risk level in the domestic market, and importantly, Vietnam Airlines has in place appropriate planning for managing increased passenger volumes and handling more international customers.”
The COVID-19 Safety Rating evaluates front-line facilities and service to determine how effectively and consistently COVID-19 procedures are being provided, across both airport and onboard cleanliness, cleaning and disinfection procedures, standard and usage conformity of staff PPE, Covid signage and information, application of social distancing, hand sanitiser facilities, PA guidance, organisation and control of passenger flows, applying face mask usage and adapted service systems in the airport and onboard flights.All factors of guidance for social distancing, mask use, and hand hygiene are well provided for at key passenger movement areas for check-in, boarding, arrival, and in the network of domestic Lotus Lounges.
Vietnam Airlines has recently increased the number of hand hygiene units at all high contact areas at check-in, boarding, baggage reclaim, and in the Lotus Lounges.
The Lotus Lounges have a range of enhanced distancing and one-way systems to facilitate safe movement and adapted service procedures for food and drinks – which includes increase cleaning of contact surfaces in the dining area. Electronic reading materials will replace physical newspapers and magazines.
All areas of the lounge are subject to enhanced sanitisation, and the majority of seating, tables, and other touchpoints are cleaned after use by each customer.
Passengers can expect to board the aircraft using a system designed to increase physical distancing, and similarly, a strict deplaning protocol is applied for arrival. Suitable distancing, hand hygiene and contactless service systems have been devised for baggage reclaim processes.
Onboard service has been simplified to reduce contact between customers and staff – however, cabin crew wear a full-range of PPE, and passengers are given sanitisers and wipes, and can request face masks. The standard and type of inflight hygiene product is expected to be updated as the airline undertakes more international flights.
Cabin cleaning methods and frequencies have been enhanced in line or above industry standard, and this includes factors such as pillows, blankets, and other amenities.
ABOUT VIETNAM AIRLINES
Founded in 27th May, 1995, Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier of Vietnam and the major carrier in the South East Asia, operating 94 routes to 22 domestic and 29 international destinations with an average of 400 flights per day, connecting the world’s major cities to mesmerizing travel destinations in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Vietnam Airlines has spearheaded Vietnam’s aviation market – one of the fastest-growing domestic markets in the world – throughout 20 years of development at a double-digit annual growth rate. Positioning itself as a modern carrier with an internationally recognisable brand characterised by Vietnamese traditional culture, Vietnam Airlines aims to achieve 5-star status and become a major airline in Asia.
The 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating confirms excellent airport processing standards that considers all practical elements of contactless technology, customer handling, and social distancing protocols for check-in, boarding, and arrival. Airline lounges meet a high standard of cleanliness procedures and consistency, with good measures in place that facilitate social distancing, and safe delivery systems for food and beverages. Onboard cleanliness and cabin presentation is at an excellent quality level and may use new techniques for UV sanitisation, and mass disinfectant treatments. The onboard service systems for catering are adapted for COVID-19 times, with reduced contact delivery and enhanced food safety measures for meal presentation.
ABOUT SKYTRAX
Skytrax, the International air transport rating organisation, was established in 1989 and is based in London, United Kingdom. The World Airline Rating programme is a leading international Rating system operating since 1999, which classifies airlines by the quality of product and staff service. In 2020, Skytrax launched the COVID-19 Airline Safety Ratings, providing independent, expert evaluation and certification of airline COVID-19 hygiene and safety measures. This programme is regarded as a global benchmark for Certifying COVID-19 safe travel standards.
