At VistaJet, we’ve seen first-hand the effect of coronavirus on travel. For over a year now, drastic changes have occurred across the aviation industry, and while we have been shielded from the worst effects as private air travel has continued to prove popular, we have had to implement great changes in order to keep our passengers and crew safe.
As the world begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel and coronavirus travel restrictions are eased, there are nevertheless going to be plenty of measures still in place that all travellers and air operators will need to take heed of to stay safe in the skies.
Here is how we are endeavouring to guarantee your continuing safety when flying with us, plus tips on how you can protect yourself as you take your first flights in the post-pandemic world.
How we are keeping passengers safe
As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting travel, we took immediate steps to ensure safety on every flight. These will continue for the time being.
24/7 safety assessment – Our Flight Approval and Coordination teams are continuing to assess all bookings to ensure their safety and compliance with changing pandemic laws and guidelines. We also work with Control Risks and Osprey to gain AI-driven and human intelligence to further bolster our approach to security and safety, and MedAire staff are also on hand to provide medical support during flights and for our ground operations.
A single crew – We have made sure that, wherever possible, a single crew is assigned to a single aircraft per 17-day rotation, thereby minimising the risk of contamination. All crew are checked for symptoms twice a day by a trained expert, including having their temperatures taken digitally, and clear rules such as no handshakes and the wearing of masks and gloves are mandatory.
Reliable cleaning processes – All our aircraft are thoroughly cleaned with an extended-action disinfectant, Bacoban®, after passengers have disembarked. In the event that COVID-19 is understood to be present on one of our aircraft or within a crew, the aircraft will be taken out of service, deep cleaned by our sanitation agency, and the incident subject to a full evaluation.
Inflight safety – A full complement of personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitiser and cleaning supplies will continue to be kept on all flights, and catering services will be subject to extra hygiene measures across storage, preparation, presentation, and serving. If any passengers display symptoms while travelling on one of our aircraft, our staff will contact MedAire and act on their guidance.
While we’re doing everything possible to keep everyone travelling with us safe as the pandemic recedes, there are things you can do to make the return to normality as simple and straightforward as possible.
Don’t take unnecessary risks – Before you book a flight, view up to date travel guidance on whether you are able to legally fly to your chosen destination, so you avoid disappointment when reserving flights, hotels, and other aspects of your trip. The same goes for after you have made your booking, so keep abreast of changes in travel advisory using sites such as the EU’s travel advice website, and the UK Government’s foreign travel advice.
Bring any relevant documentation – With many countries introducing COVID-19 health certificates, it’s important you understand when these are required, and have these to hand when you land to avoid being turned away from your destination.
Check your travel provider’s coronavirus travel measures – Not all travel providers are taking as clear and effective anti-coronavirus steps as VistaJet. Therefore, it’s important to check the measures being taken by any businesses that are providing additional services while you travel – such as transfers, accommodation, vehicle rentals, and so forth. This way you can travel completely assured of hygiene and safety.
Stay sanitary – Masks and sanitiser help stop the spread of the virus, so seriously consider using these when you fly. It’s also important that you avoid touching surfaces and others (such as handshaking), and that everyone in the group you are travelling with follows the same rules. Similar measures extend to your luggage: use sanitary wipes to clean your luggage wheels and handles once you arrive at your accommodation.
Do you need a test or to self-isolate? – The current UK government guidelines state that all travellers to the United Kingdom must get tested up to 72 hours prior to flying and produce a negative result, then quarantine for ten days on their return. While the guidelines are constantly changing, it’s crucial you keep abreast of and follow any rules that are introduced to avoid fines.
Even as things return to normal, it’s crucial we all keep safe when flying. Follow the guidelines above and you can help keep COVID-19 at bay and ensure the recovery is as straightforward as possible.
