Effect of swine flu on Air Malta sales unclear

Air Malta's sales have decreased over the last two months by about five to 10 per cent, but this drop cannot be attributed to the swine flu pandemic, the airline's CEO Joe Cappello told The Times Business.

"It is difficult to estimate whether the swine flu pandemic has affected Air Malta sales. This is because currently traffic is being affected by various factors including the international recession and fall in the drop of sterling among others," Mr Cappello said. Mr Cappello added Air Malta's specially set up task force was closely monitoring and coordinating the airline's plans on swine flu and was conducting a risk assessment of the situation.

"The plan is based on the guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association and the World Health Organisation. The plan is also incorporated in Air Malta's business continuity strategy and has been submitted to the local health and civil protection authorities," he said.

Mr Cappello said Air Malta's frontline staff including check-in agents, cabin crew and flight deck crew have been informed about the signs and symptoms of the disease and have been issued with instructions to follow.

"Notwithstanding, these procedures are also applicable as required by law under 'non-pandemic circumstances' whereby a passenger may exhibit symptoms of suspected contagion or physiological signs precluding fitness to fly," he added.

Although some scientists are forecasting that the pandemic will get much worse in winter Mr Cappello said that at this stage it was too early to predict the long effects of swine flu on air travel.

"However, over the years, airlines around the world have had to face a number of similar health scare issues including SARS, Avian flu and foot and mouth disease," he said.

Air Malta's CEO said that people travelling by air on Air Malta should be reassured of two things. "Firstly, Air Malta's aircraft are equipped with the latest technology and updated with the latest measures that ensure a safe cabin environment. Air Malta's aircraft have air filtration systems similar to those in hospitals. The airline's aircraft are regularly disinfected as part of normal cleaning process and crew are routinely trained in handling procedures for passengers who might become ill or show signs of illness on board aircraft.

"Secondly, the issue of a global flu pandemic has been raised over these last couple of years. Airlines around the world including Air Malta have been planning and preparing for this outbreak to deal efficiently with this situation."

An Air Malta aircraft operating the London Gatwick - Catania route was recently delayed for two hours and 50 minutes at Catania Airport. The delay was a result of a health procedure including disinfestations of the aircraft carried out by the airline in cooperation with the Sicilian health authorities after two Italian passengers travelling back home after a visit in the United Kingdom were reported sick during the flight. The aircraft then continued with its schedule and operated the Catania-Munich service.