Air Canada is to impose pre-flight passenger temperature tests and social distancing on flights in a confidence building plan to combat the risk of Covid-19.
The new ‘CleanCare+’ system will continue to be enhanced including increased use of screening tools, such as blood oxygen level testing, as they become available.
The new rules, designed to reduce the risk of exposure to Covid-19, will be introduced from May 15.
They include mandatory pre-flight infra-red temperature passenger temperature checks, health questionnaires and economy class seat assignments to allow for more personal space until June 30.
The Canadian carrier will automatically block the sale of adjacent seats and cap the total number of seats sold for each flight.
Passengers will be provided care kits for hand cleaning and hygiene.
The airline already requires travellers to wear facemasks and expects to become the first in the Americas to administer temperature checks.
Those deemed unfit to travel will be rebooked at no cost but be required to obtain medical clearance prior to travel.
Aircraft cleaning will be stepped up with the use of hospital grade disinfectant and specialised techniques to maintain cabin cleanliness across the fleet.
President and chief executive Calin Rovinescu said: “While we are eager to see the reopening of economies and the restart of commercial aviation, the safety of our customers and employees is Air Canada’s core value and we aim to establish the highest standards of hygiene, cleanliness and attention to public health guidelines.
“We have been a leader in progressively introducing new measures in response to Covid-19, such as introducing Personal Protective Equipment for our employees and being the first North American carrier to require face coverings for customers.
“We are now the first airline in the Americas to administer pre-flight temperature checks system-wide.”
He added: “Air Canada CleanCare+ will not only provide protections at the personal level, by better monitoring our customers’ fitness to fly and providing for more personal space in economy class, but it also sets new standards for cabin cleanliness and ensures our employees have the best tools to maintain it.
“Coupled with other new safety practices we implemented earlier in response to Covid-19, Air Canada CleanCare+ will provide travellers with the confidence that they can book and fly safely with Air Canada as they consider their travel plans in the current environment.”