QATAR has been taking all precautionary and preventive measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The country has set up special facilities for treating people infected with the virus and has taken several unprecedented measures to stem the spread of the virus among the community.
Now, Hamad International Airport (HIA) and the country’s flag carrier, Qatar Airways, have come out with new procedures and initiatives to make air travel safe and secure for passengers. HIA will be using robotics and advanced thermal screening helmets as part of the measures being introduced for the post-COVID-19 era.
The Smart Screening Helmet is a wearable intelligent device -- a portable, safe and effective gadget -- enabling contactless temperature measurement. The helmet uses multiple advanced technologies such as infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence and AR (augmented reality) display. It can also enable implementation of mobile deployment-based control scenarios. HIA has also invested in disinfectant robots, which are fully autonomous mobile devices emitting concentrated UV-C light, which are known to be effective in eliminating majority of infectious microorganisms.
The robots are being deployed in vulnerable high passenger flow areas to reduce the spread of pathogens. Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “HIA has adapted to the changes brought on by the spread of COVID-19 on the world, especially on the travel sector. Recovery plans have been put in place with priority given to the safety and comfort of travellers and employees. These plans include the use of the latest advanced technology to achieve the highest safety standards for the future travel experience.”
Onboard Qatar Airways flights, all cabin crew will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) suits and the airline has modified service that reduces interactions between passengers and crew while in flight. Cabin crew will be wearing safety goggles, masks and gloves to provide even greater reassurance to customers in addition to enhanced hygienic measures already in place. Hand sanitisers will be available throughout the HIA and galleys of every Qatar Airways flights. The airline has applied new standards and protocols in every aspect of its operation including serving food onboard. It will be a different experience for travellers passing through Qatar’s international airport and while on board the award-winning five-star airline’s flights. As the airport and the airline are gearing up for receiving passengers in the post-COVID-19 era, Qatar is leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety of air travellers, setting new standards and benchmarks for international travel, which will offer travellers a worry-free and pleasureful journey as it was before.
