Photo by Alec Wilson (CC BY SA 2.0).
A message from Tom Lattig, Managing Director, Sales & Distribution - EMEA, May 8, 2020
The airline business is a challenging one, even more so during these unprecedented times. It’s always easier to navigate with blue skies on the horizon. Throughout our 94-year history we have weathered many storms and we emerge stronger and more resolute.
Communities throughout the world have come together to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). As leaders we are humbled by the many acts of kindness and generosity of our team members. We have seen you come together to sew face coverings, donate food, provide personal protection equipment to healthcare workers, and perform your duties with professionalism and care under trying circumstances.
We would like to express our gratitude to all of you who have continued to care for our customers and each other during this difficult time. The sacrifices our teams have made have helped better position American for the future, and for what we hope are clear skies ahead.
We should feel proud of the vital role our company is playing in the global relief effort. Our flights are a lifeline for those returning home, for healthcare professionals traveling to serve on the frontline, as well as for trade and commerce. In the belly of our aircrafts, we transport life-saving medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment, and fresh produce, to reach communities in need.
Today, we are the first carrier to reconnect the US with Spain as we resume service from DFW to Madrid (MAD), since schedule changes and government-imposed travel restrictions were applied. This service between our largest hub and MAD, home of our transatlantic joint business partner Iberia, is a significant milestone for American as we rebuild our schedule. We are working closely with Iberia to ensure we continue to serve our joint customers.
However, it is not business as usual, your safety and well-being—as well as that of our customers remains our top priority. We want to be sure you have peace of mind while performing your important duties.
We’re following strict cleaning procedures that meet or exceed Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. At the airport, we have increased the frequency of cleaning the areas under our control including gate areas, ticket counters, passenger service counters, baggage service offices and team member rooms. American is also using stanchions at our gates and ticket counters.
Onboard our aircraft, we are using an Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectant throughout the cabin. These measures build on new and expanded cleaning procedures we added in early March, including additional touchpoints in the cabin, increased provisioning of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for our crew members, and expanded fogging with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant in all public areas.
In addition, our mainline aircraft and most of our regional aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. The cabin air in all of our aircraft is changed approximately 15 to 30 times per hour, or once every two to four minutes, similar to the standard for hospitals. They also filer out 99.97% of airborne particles while inflight.
We have also amended our food and beverage services and are operating a relaxed seating policy. Face coverings will be required for our flight attendants during every flight, and American will be providing sanitizing items for our crew. Supplies of face coverings for customer use are starting to be provisioned, as operational conditions and supplies allow. For the comfort and safety of all onboard from May 11, American will require all customers traveling to wear a face covering while on board the aircraft. The full lists of measures and precautions we are taking can be found on our Newsroom, and check out our cleaning fact sheet here.
For frontline team members, we will be providing face coverings for your use while at work. Whether you’re bringing your own face covering or wearing one the company is providing, we want to be sure you have the information you need to wear, remove, and dispose of your face covering safely. Please check Jetnet for guidance, and for the latest information related to American’s health-and-safety measures.
Together, we are building American to thrive forever and are pleased to welcome back our customers here in Madrid. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.
Muchas gracias,
Tom Lattig
Managing Director, Sales & Distribution - EMEA