SpiceJet set to resume operations from May 25, makes Aarogya Setu App mandatory for passengers

SpiceJet is all geared up to resume operations from May 25, 2020, two months after all passenger flight services were suspended due to the lockdown over coronavirus. 

To start with, the airline will operate flights to 41 domestic destinations operating an average of 204 daily and 1431 weekly flights. SpiceJet will be operating flights on all its UDAN routes.

Among other safety measures, the airline has made wearing a mask and downloading the Aarogya Setu App mandatory for passengers.

The airline said it is committed to providing the highest level of healthy, safe and secure flying experience with minimal contact to its passengers and staff. 

The airline will strictly adhere to social distancing norms and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by the government to ensure a top-level, clean and sanitised flying experience, SpiceJet said. 

SpiceJet said it has decided to introduce a slew of in-flight and on-ground modifications in line with the global best practices and Government SOPs to minimise human contact and ensure safe travel for its passengers.  

“I am happy to announce the resumption of our passenger operations from May 25 after a two month-long lockdown-imposed hiatus. Your favourite airline is ready to spread its wings again and fly you safely to your destination. We are committed to providing the highest level of cleanliness and a safe, secure and healthy flying experience to our passengers and staff. We will strictly adhere to social distancing norms and SOPs laid down by the Government to ensure the best, the cleanest and the most sanitised flying experience," Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said. 

“Flying was and remains the safest mode of public transport. We eagerly await to welcome our guests onboard and to serve them again. I wish and hope that SpiceJet grows stronger in the times to come and contributes to the country’s economic might,” he said. 

SpiceJet has implemented the best-in-class cleaning procedures on all its aircraft in addition to disinfecting customer touch points and surfaces before every flight, the airline said. 

The cleaning procedure for flights includes a thorough wipe down using an effective, high-grade, Boeing-approved disinfectant across aircraft interiors including the places customers touch most – the tray tables, seat covers, armrests, seatbelts, window shades and lavatories and their knobs, it added. 

All SpiceJet aircraft now have synthetic leather seats as non-porous seats don’t allow the COVID-19 virus to penetrate inside them and can be easily wiped off compared to standard fabric seats.

"Our planes are equipped with state-of-the-art air circulation systems and the cabin airflow in our aircraft rule out spread of any air-borne disease. The cabin air only flows from top to bottom and gets absorbed at the bottom for filtration. Cabin air is constantly exchanged with a mix of 50% outside air and 50% filtered air. This air exchange happens every 2-3 minutes to ensure the availability of fresh and clean air. All our aircraft use a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter (like those found in hospitals) which removes up to 99.9+% of airborne particles like viruses and bacteria," the airline said in a press release. 

All our crew members and ground services personnel will undergo a detailed health check-up and will be wearing protective gears to deliver a safe travel experience, it said.

As an added precaution, SpiceJet has decided to temporarily suspend Food and Beverage services on all its flights. Food and beverage consumption inside the flight is also not allowed and SpiceJet recommends that they be consumed at home or at the airport premises.  

To maintain social distancing, the airline will reduce the number of people in its airport coaches by 50% and has made web check-in mandatory thereby avoiding queues at airports. 

Besides, passengers will be allowed only one hand baggage and one check-in luggage (not more than 20 kg) which will have to be added during the web check-in process. Passengers will be encouraged to self-scan boarding passes and can also travel with their mobile boarding passes, it said. 

"A temperature check will be done before entering the terminal building and only passenger with a green status on the Aarogya Setu App will be allowed. Passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours prior to departure as the check-in and luggage drop counters will be closed 60 minutes before the departure time and boarding gates will close 20 mins before departure time," SpiceJet said.