STATE-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has become the first regional air carrier to be given an award for cleanliness.
CAL in a media release on Thursday stated that the award – the Platinum certification by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying – was given for its efforts in ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitisation for its customers’ health and wellness when travelling.
The certification was granted following a comprehensive audit of the airline’s Covid-19 protocols.
Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) is a global non-profit and one of the world’s largest international airline associations. SimpliFlying is a global leader in aviation strategy and since the beginning of Covid-19, SimpliFlying has focused on rebuilding trust in travel through biosafety measures, testing, and “trace & track.”
CAL’s Chief Executive Officer Garvin Medera said, “Earning this Platinum certification by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying reaffirms Caribbean Airlines’ commitment to the wellness of our customers and employees. From the onset of the pandemic, Caribbean Airlines rolled out comprehensive programs to educate and secure the health and safety of all stakeholders, and we are pleased to lead as the first regional airline to gain certification for best health practices.”
CEO of SimpliFlying Shashank Nigam added, “Caribbean Airlines has set a new level for health safety among regional air carriers, with initiatives such as its alignment to Sherpa, providing immediate information to customers about the regulations and covid-19 restrictions for the country they will be entering, and a Covid-specific safety video being shown on-board. Taking such measures is crucially important for customers’ peace of mind, especially in the times when vacation travelling is set to resume.”
CAL’s Platinum status means that customers can be assured that the airline’s practices throughout their journey from check-in to arrival at their destination, has met and surpassed global benchmarks for customer-centric safety standards.
CAL stated that the audit was verified through a program that provides scientifically based validation for airlines, to reach beyond even the governmental requirements for safety. The airline joins the ranks of carriers like Air Canada, Delta, Etihad and Virgin Atlantic, who have also attained certification.
Another outcome of the certification is a new page on the airline’s website, The Travel Essentials Centre, where in one location, customers can access all the information needed for their journeys. The details shared at the Travel Essentials Centre takes persons through what to do from the time a booking is made until they leave the airport at the end of their journey.
