People Still Afraid Of Flying, Garuda Boss: The Air On The Airplane Is Safer Than Air-Conditioned Rooms

President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfan Everyutra. (Photo: Instagram @setiaputrairfan)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic has depressed the transportation sector, especially the air. As a result of the virus outbreak, the number of passengers has decreased, due to calls to keep their distance so that people do not travel during the pandemic.

Even though the government has implemented a new normality policy, in fact the public's interest in traveling, especially by plane, is still low. This was agreed by the President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Irfaniaputra.

He said that the number of passengers was not optimal because there were still concerns in the community regarding the spread of the virus on the plane.

"There is a perception that a closed room is very unsafe on an airplane. In fact, the airplane cabin is much safer than the AC room in our homes and offices," he said, during a virtual discussion, Friday, July 24.

Irfan emphasized that even though passengers are in a closed room, there is a special mechanism to regulate air circulation. In the aircraft cabin, air rotation occurs vertically from top to bottom, not random.

Furthermore, Irfan explained, the air that falls down is immediately cleaned using a strong particle filter or called High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA). Then the air is heated so that any viruses or bacteria in the air die. Then the air is returned to flow after passing this stage.

According to Irfan, in theory, this air filter can clean the air up to 95 percent. Moreover, during this new normal period, Garuda launched a 'Flying With Garudan Safe and Comfortable' campaign. So, cleanliness and safety are a priority.

"Apart from HEPA, I also say that the health protocol on board is being guarded by all parties. Both cabin crew and we also ask passengers to wear masks, clean themselves at all times," he said.

Irfan said that his party followed all the directions for the COVID-19 security protocol, one of which was to maintain distance. This is reflected in the vacant middle seats for economy class. As is known, in economy class flights, there are usually three airplane seats. So that what is used is the left and kaman only.

"But the most important thing is that we keep our distance on the plane. Garuda insists that the middle seats must be empty in economy class," he explained.

Meanwhile, Irfan explained, when one Garuda passenger was found to be exposed to COVID-19 after taking a flight, his party immediately monitored all cabin crew and passengers on the plane.

Until now, according to Irfan, everyone on the plane was in good condition and not confirmed to have been exposed to COVID-19.

"Until today, everything is fine, especially the cabin crew, because they are the ones who interact," he said.