Philippine Airlines (PAL) is recognized as one of the top 10 airlines globally with the highest safety credentials for travel during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to the Safe Travel Barometer, an independent subsidiary of travel industry advisory and consulting firm VIDEC.
PAL secured a 4.2 rating out of 5.0, the highest score, among more than 150 airlines audited for their COVID-19 safety credentials by Safe Travel.
The rating system provided a score for each stage of the travel journey — pre-flight, the actual flight and post flight. The rating includes COVID-19 related hygiene and safety measures announced by airlines for travelers and its crew.
The flag carrier’s safe travel score tied with China Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, AirAsia Malaysia and UAE’s Emirates. The leading airline is Lufthansa with a score of 4.5.
“We are grateful for the unexpected recognition, and honored to be recognized for doing the right thing. PAL shall continue to maintain the highest standards of safety and the protection of the health of our colleagues and all the passengers in our care,” Gilbert Santa Maria, PAL president and chief operating officer, said.
“The fundamental premise of Safe Travel Score is to benchmark travel brands’ initiatives to reduce traveller anxiety,” said Virendra Jain, Safe Travel co-founder and chief executive.
PAL has been carrying out the following safety protocols versus the COVID-19: providing personal protective equipment for cabin crew for use throughout the flight; disinfection of aircraft surfaces before and after every flight using high-grade eco-friendly cleaning agents; utilizing High Efficiency Particulate Air filters to cleanse cabin air of bacteria, viruses and impurities with 99.99 percent efficacy, among others.
PAL said it may cancel flights, add frequencies or adjust planned schedules in domestic flights based on evolving quarantine restrictions and entry requirements set by Philippine authorities and local government units.