Royal Jordanian protects passengers from swine flu

RJ President/CEO and IATA's Chairman of the Board of Governors Samer Majali stressed RJ's keenness on securing passenger and crew safety. "We follow the international health guidelines and standards, and keep our ground staff and cabin crew updated on the development of this disease, means of infection and prevention and the ability to identify infected cases."

He added that the company does not operate flights between Amman and New Mexico or any South American country.

Majali added that WHO now focuses on minimizing the impact of the virus, making passengers aware of the prevention procedures. ICAO and IATA are committed to implementing the health instructions by targeting airlines and international airports.

He said that RJ circulated the necessary information among flight attendants to make them aware of the flu symptoms, the means of infection and ways to avoid the disease, and informed the official health authorities at the airports about any suspected cases.

He added that communication links are open between RJ and relevant local authorities, particularly the Ministry of Health, the Royal Medical Services and the Medical Center at Queen Alia International Airport.

Majali pointed out that the Medical Center at the airport distributed special forms, to be filled out by all passengers coming from endemic areas, containing necessary information in order to be able to take appropriate action.

A medical team from the Ministry of Health is available at the aircraft gates to try to detect suspected cases and thus ensure the safety of both passengers and crew, in addition to be prepared to deal with any suspected cases.

Majali added that IATA has worked with WHO to prepare guidelines for front line staff at airlines, including cabin crew, maintenance workers, cleaners, passenger agents and cargo/baggage handlers, informing them about the procedures to be followed if they encounter a case of infected passenger.

Majali emphasized that RJ operates a modern fleet that has air filtration systems similar to those in hospitals, to limit the chance of spreading diseases among passengers.

He also said that the RJ crew is trained in handling passengers who might become ill on board the aircraft. The airline industry spent years in planning for the possibility of avian influenza, therefore its now prepared to deal efficiently with the unfolding situation.