NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, MARCH 24
In an advisory issued by the IAF, the service has issued detailed instructions to its air-crew as per which the pilots have been told to remain in their cockpits in case of evacuations from outside the country.
As per the standard operating procedures (SOP) for air travel by Air Force aircraft, “During embarkation, thermal scanning will be done and any symptomatic person will not be allowed to board the flight.”
“All passengers will be asked to disinfect their hands thoroughly with sanitisers before entering the aircraft,” it said.
“Pilots are advised not to come out of the cockpit. All passengers to be briefed about cough etiquettes, social distancing, and personal hygiene,” the Air Force has clarified.
For the post-flight measures, the Air Force advisory says that “No crew member and support staff should come in close contact with passengers. Persons on the ground should refrain from any close interaction with the incoming team.”
“All waste items left over by passengers should be tightly sealed in yellow bags carried on board and disposed of by biohazard vehicle,” the instructions said.
The Indian Air Force has also held a special video-conference on COVID-19 at Air Force Station Hindon, for awareness of aircrew of transport and helicopter fleet during the conduct of evacuation from outside the country.
The Air Force has so far airlifted 170 passengers from Wuhan in China and Teheran in Iran.
