Vietnam Airlines Certified with 5-Star COVID19 Airline Safety Rating

Vietnam Airlines has been certified with the 5-Star COVID19 Airline Safety Rating - the ninth global airline to meet the criteria for this top-level accreditation.

The COVID19 Safety Audit, which was conducted by Skytrax in May and June 2021, assessed all safety and hygiene protocols introduced by Vietnam Airlines in response to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic.

The assessment includes all factors of airport and onboard cleanliness, cleaning and disinfection procedures, standard and usage conformity of staff PPE, COVID19 signage and information, the application of social distancing, hand sanitiser facilities, PA guidance, organisation and control of passenger flows, monitoring face mask usage and adapted service systems in the airport and onboard flights.

Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said, "Vietnam Airlines has continued flying domestic routes and offering service on a small number of international flights. During this time, the airline has implemented a broad range of enhanced hygiene and revised service measures to keep customers and staff safe during the pandemic. The protocols are being applied consistently and with suitable consideration for the risk level in the domestic market, and importantly, Vietnam Airlines has in place appropriate planning for managing increased passenger volumes and handling more international customers."

Vietnam Airlines recently increased the number of hand hygiene units at all high contact areas at check-in, boarding, baggage reclaim, and in the Lotus Lounges.

The Lotus Lounges have a range of enhanced distancing and one-way systems to facilitate safe movement and adapted service procedures for food and drinks - which includes increased cleaning of contact surfaces in the dining area.

All areas of the lounge are subject to enhanced sanitisation, and the majority of seating, tables, and other touchpoints are cleaned after use by each customer.

Electronic reading materials will replace physical newspapers and magazines.

Passengers can expect to board the aircraft using a system designed to increase physical distancing, and similarly, a strict deplaning protocol is applied on arrival.

Suitable distancing, hand hygiene and contactless service systems have also been devised for the baggage reclaim processes.

Onboard service has been simplified to reduce contact between customers and staff - however, cabin crew wear a full-range of PPE, and passengers are given sanitisers and wipes, and can request face masks.

Mr Le Hong Ha, Vietnam Airlines President & CEO, said, "We are very proud to be certified with the 5-Star COVID19 Airline Safety Rating. This is a testament to the consistent efforts of Vietnam Airlines and is also a reflection of our continued investment to ensure maximum hygiene and safety levels at all stages of the passenger journey. With safety being our top priority, we are committed to implementing the most comprehensive COVID19 safety program, allowing passengers to travel with confidence. We aspire to work towards a smooth post-pandemic recovery stage, helping the country to combat the pandemic and reinvigorate further economic growth."

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