Citilink is the world’s second low-cost airline to achieve the 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating
by Skytrax: London, UK
Citilink is the world’s second low-cost airline to be certified with the highest 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, becoming one of just fifteen 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 Airline Safety Audit evaluates a broad range of hygiene protection measures introduced by airlines in response to the current health risks during the global pandemic. The assessment for Citilink involved analysis of all front line customer facing facilities and service systems at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, in addition to the disinfection protocols for aircraft cabins, and onboard product and service safety changes carried out by the cabin crew.
Juliandra, President & CEO of Citilink said: “This 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating is a global recognition of Citilink’s excellent health protocols especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Since the onset of the pandemic, Citilink has been committed to perform world-class-level of health and safety measures as well as improved various service in all flight aspects to ensure safe-and-comfortable flight for all customers, in line with Citilink’s mission to become ‘The Most Hassle Free Airline’.”
Citilink have implemented a comprehensive information campaign at key customer touchpoints to ensure that customers are fully familiarised with the COVID-19 requirements when travelling. In cooperation the with the APII management team, additional signage and public messaging is available throughout Jakarta Airport, in addition to a many hand sanitiser facilities, counter protection screens, and physical distancing guides.
Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “We are delighted to certify Citilink with the 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating in recognition of their considerable efforts made to deliver the highest standards of hygiene measures to customers. The management and staff of Citilink have gone above and beyond industry standard to reduce risk which will be a great reassurance to travellers.”
Operationally, Citilink has adapted the boarding and deplaning procedures to ensure that all customers are afforded adequate time and space for entering and exiting the aircraft. Whilst onboard each flight there are sensible distancing policies for lavatory use and general movement in the cabin.
For the time being, buy-on-board food sales are suspended on flights under 2-hours in duration to reduce contact between staff and passengers, and additionally, the airline has enhanced the pre-book systems for food and drink. Where onboard sales are provided, Citilink offer contactless payment processing and low contact delivery systems for products.
Sanitisation frequencies have been increased for many of the main cabin contact areas, and aside from nightly deep cleaning, flight-by-flight checks are conducted by the cabin and ground staff, which includes enhanced disinfection processes for onboard washrooms.
By optimizing cooperation with its partners, passengers are offered a personal protection kit which includes a spare face mask, sanitiser, and table wipes. At all contact points, passengers will notice enhanced PPE equipment being worn by airline staff.
ABOUT CITILINK
Citilink is an airline and subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia Group, serving flights with the system of connecting cities.
Citilink always implements strict health protocols in all of its flight operations, from pre, in, to post-flight by referring to the health protocol stipulated by the government to ensure all flights run optimally while still prioritizing health and safety for all customers.
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.
