Qatar Airways preps up measures vs H1N1 virus

CEBU, Philippines - Qatar Airways initiated a number of measures over heightened global health concerns amid the recent outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) virus, which originated from Mexico.

Qatar Airways which flies three times a week from Cebu to Doha, has engaged in several precautionary steps as management expressed growing concerns about the current situation.

Yesterday, Cebu’s tourism stakeholders already assured the public that it has done very pro-active measures to deal with the virus.

Qatar Airways chief executive officer (CEO) Akbar Al Baker said in a statement that the airline is taking utmost priority to the health and well-being of all its passengers and employees.

“The health and well-being of all our passengers and employees is of paramount importance and Qatar Airways in no way compromises the safety of any individual,” he said.

 “Passengers should be reassured that modern aircraft have very advanced air filtration systems which ensure a high level of air quality despite the confined environment they are traveling in,” he added.

He said the airlines has been working closely with local health authorities in Qatar and monitoring developments with international health organizations and governments around the world in order to be able to take the most appropriate measures.

The airline’s decision had been taken to control the potential transmission of the virus to fellow passengers and crew onboard.

Al Baker said that the airline took these unconditional measures at an early state in the full interest of the public.

“There is absolutely no compromise for the safety of any individual, whether they are traveling or not. As an airline we are fully responsible for the safety of our passengers, crew and ground staff, but also as the national carrier of the State of Qatar, we have a responsibility to reduce the risk of exposure to people living and working in the country,” Al Baker stressed.

He said the airline’s flight crew and ground staff have been fully briefed about swine flu, how to identify possible cases and of appropriate measures that need to be take to contain the situation.

Qatar Airways had been flying from Cebu to Doha and vice versa in the last five years. The airline is considered as the primary instrument for the increased number of tourists from Europe and also Middle East. Likewise, business community here especially the exporters and importers are claiming improved business linkage between Middle Eastern countries because of the availability of direct flight offered by Qatar Airways.

The Cebu office of the airline is now headed by newly appointed district sales manager for Cebu and South Philippines, Yvette Chan.