Turkish Airline’s Culture of Clean Takes Flight

In anticipation of opening up its skies to international flights, Turkish Airlines, has announced a new cleaning protocol that continues the airline’s legacy as one of the most consumer-focused carriers in the airline industry. Just as the airline had pioneered the use of dedicated onboard chefs, now in the post-COVID-19 era, Turkish Airlines will be adding onboard Hygiene Experts whose sole responsibility will be to make sure the crew and passengers all adhere to social distancing, mask wearing and other health protocols. The Hygiene Experts will first distribute masks, disinfectants and antiseptic tissue to guests and then will monitor the cabin to make sure that passengers keep their masks on for the duration of their flight. In a statement, M. Ilker Ayci, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee, said, “We are working hard on all contact points to ensure a healthy and safe travel experience for our passengers. At Turkish Airlines, we are providing significant services to our passengers with our enhanced guidelines for safe travel that are prepared in accordance with instructions of scientists. We believe that our Hygiene Experts will help our passengers to feel more comfortable and relaxed about their travels.” The aircraft will be disinfected prior to every flight with state of the art cleaning methods. All contact points in the aircraft will be thoroughly cleaned using chemicals safe for humans, with special equipment and chemicals for different surfaces such as seats, windows, screens and bathrooms. A love for cleanliness is a cultural trait of the Turkish people. They are dedicated to its practice and like to share the great benefits of proper hygiene. One of the great joys of shopping in Turkey is a trip to a hammam store (bathhouse shop) where you can buy the country’s famed olive oil soaps and super absorbent soft cotton towels for hand washing and bathing at home. While it may not be possible during pre-vaccine COVID-19-era trips to Turkey to actually bathe in a historic bathhouse yet, visitors can find these sensual aids to hygiene available throughout the country and also online in the US. Another cleaning ritual that has taken hold during COVID-19 in Turkey is the ritual of pouring a high-alcohol kolonya, or cologne, over guests’ hands when they come to visit. The cologne made in Turkey for this purpose is considered high enough in alcohol to kill the COVID-19 virus. The government in Turkey has embraced this ancient ritual of cleanliness and has distributed bottles of kolonya around the country to help encourage hand washing and sanitation, with a nod to the sense-pleasing culture of clean that the Turks have embraced for centuries.