As the world slowly opens up to normalcy after months of necessary economic shutdowns and lock-downs, airlines are confronted with a huge challenge – getting passengers into their flights.
Earlier reports had predicted that businesses that would survive post-pandemic are those which can adequately assure consumers that they are committed to their health and safety. In line with this recommendation, Qatar airlines recently released a new Diamond Agreement that offers maximum flexibility at industry leading pricing, meaning that customers are now able to pre-purchase flight time at fixed-hourly rates on state-of-the-art long-range and ultra-long-range private jets. This is in addition to the Hazmat suits it has introduced to its commercial flights to assure safety.
Emirates has decided to try a different approach.
In an official press release on the 23rd of July, 2020, it announced that it would cover medical expenses of its passengers of up to EUR 150,000 and quarantine costs of EUR 100 per day for 14 days, “should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home” free-of-charge and at no additional costs to the passenger.”
Speaking on the decision, Emirates Group Chairman and Chief Executive, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Emirates is proud to lead the way in boosting confidence for international travel. We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually re-open, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel.”
“Emirates has worked hard to put in place measures at every step of the customer journey to mitigate risk of infection, and we have also revamped our booking policies to offer flexibility. We are now taking it to the next level, by being the first in the industry to offer our customers free global cover for COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs should they incur these costs during their travel. It is an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this initiative,” he explained further.
This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before 31 October 2020). It is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. There will be no special forms; all customers need to do is call a dedicated hotline for assistance.