Economy passengers flying on Qatar Airways will be asked to wear a personal protective face shield for the duration of the flight.
The new face shields are in addition to a face mask that will be provided in a special kit to be given to each passenger.
The disposable face shield will be available in two standard sizes – one for adults and the other for children.
Passengers traveling from Hamad International Airport (HIA) will receive their face shields at the check-in counters, whereas, at other destinations, the face shields will be distributed at the boarding gates.
Onboard, all passengers will be provided with a complimentary protective kit.
Inside a ziplock pouch, they will find a single-use surgical face mask, large disposable powder-free gloves, and an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel.
Business Class customers will also be offered an additional 75ml sanitizer gel tube.
Qatar Airways has also introduced new disposable protective gowns for cabin crew that are fitted over their uniforms, in addition to safety glasses, gloves, and a mask. The new branded gowns are personalized with Qatar Airways’ logo imprinted on the top left corner.
Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the safety of our passengers has been our highest priority. By introducing these additional onboard safety and hygiene measures, our customers can rely on us and our unparalleled expertise to fly them safely to their destination. As the largest international airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, we have become one of the most experienced in safety and hygiene. We will continue to lead the industry in terms of the services offered to our passengers so that they can travel with confidence.”
To ensure the highest levels of hygiene onboard, economy class passengers are required to wear their face shield visor in addition to their face mask or covering throughout the flight, except when they are served their meals or drinks.
However, business class customers are asked to wear their face shield and mask onboard at their own discretion, as they enjoy more space and privacy.
In addition, for aircraft equipped with Qsuite, Qatar Airways’ award-winning business seat, Business Class customers are offered even greater privacy with sliding partitions and fully closing doors, and an option to display a ‘Do Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator if they wish to limit their interactions with cabin crew.
Children under two years of age are however not advised to wear face shields and face masks or coverings.
During boarding and disembarkation, all passengers will be required to wear their face mask or covering as well as the face shield.
