AIA, AEGEAN Among First to Test EASA Covid-19 Health-safe Measures

Athens International Airport (AIA) and AEGEAN Airlines are among Europe’s first aviation companies to have signed up to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) charter for the return to normal operations in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Under the agreement, the first 10 companies have pledged to work with their national authorities to put measures in place that ensure health safety and to provide feedback to help other organizations implement their programs.

“In this unprecedented situation, we consider cooperation across Europe crucial in order to offer the highest possible level of comfort and reassurance to our passengers,” said Dimitris Gerogiannis, CEO AEGEAN Airlines.

Photo Source: AEGEAN Airlines

The 10 aviation companies will have to follow the Covid-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol – a set of guidelines issued by EASA and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as requested by the European Commission.

“I am delighted to welcome these first implementers of our guidelines and charter,” said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky.

“These airlines and airports will lead the way in applying the recommended measures and will share their experiences with us. This will help us to reach the ultimate goal of harmonized, health-safe travel across Europe and to destinations beyond.”

The companies are now required to design and implement the guidelines in their facilities and services so as to achieve the best possible compliance.

Priorities include maintaining physical distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene. Passengers are also expected to take personal responsibility.

AIA and AEGEAN were the first together with airport operators AENA, Brussels Airport Company, Fraport AG, SEA Aeroporti di Milano, Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur, and Paris CDG Airport, and carriers easyJet and Wizz Air to sign the charter agreement in conjunction with EASA.

“Reaching the goal of harmonized, health-safe travel across Europe and beyond is the key for the return to normality in air travel during this unprecedented crisis,” said AIA CEO Yiannis Paraschis.

“We feel therefore privileged to have been chosen as one of the ‘pilot airports’ in Europe that will implement and monitor the best practices as indicated by EASA in order to ensure a health-safe trip for our passengers and our communities,” he added.