EMIRATE REFUNDS HIT $1.4BN
OVERUS$1.4 billion has to date been returned by Emirates in Covid-19 related travel refunds, making strong and steady progress on its commitment.
Emirates Zambia Country Manager, Mohammad Bin Hafiz, said over 1.4 million refund requests had been completed since March, representing 90 percent of backlog.
“This includes all requests received from customers around the world up until the end of June, save for a few cases which require further manual review,” Mr Bin Hafiz said in a response to a press query.
He said Emirates was pleased with the opening up of the countries airspace and borders and the opportunities that would soon follow.
As Dubai and the rest of the world opens up, he said, Emirates was confident that business and leisure travel would continue to regain its footing amid Covid-19 with strict guidance from health authorities.
“The reception from our customers in both Zambia and Zimbabwe has been good so far despite the situation we all find ourselves in.
“We have increased the flight frequency between the two destinations from two to three flights a week starting November 6th. So, yes, we are optimistic that demand will gradually return,” Mr Bin Hafiz said.
On the Covid-19 global cover, he said, Emirates was the first airline in the industry to lead the way and offer customers Covid-19 insurance cover.
He added that the initiative had helped Emirates help its customers travel with more confidence, knowing that the airline would cover medical expenses.
The airline would cover medical expenses 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.
“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, and we are seeing demand pick up as customers are more assured to travel,” Mr Bin Hafiz said.
Mr Bin Hafiz said the airline had put in place several measures including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers, among others to reduce the risks of infection.