Emirates footprint dwindles

EMIRATES’ footprints have significantly reduced due to Covid-19 and it will take a while for the airline to recover to pre-Covid-19 levels.

This is according to Emirates Zambia Country Manager, Mohammad Bin Hafiz.

Mr Hafiz regretted that Emirates had faced the difficult task of reducing costs like many businesses worldwide.

He said while Emirates had slowly restarted operations wherever it was safe and commercially viable, its footprint currently was significantly smaller than before.

Mr Hafiz in a response to a press query indicated that it would take a while for Emirates to recover to pre- Covid-19 pandemic levels.

“Like any responsible business, we must right- size our workforce in line with our reduced operational requirements.

“Our people have always been a big contributing factor to our success, so this is not an action that we relish, nor one that we take lightly. We continue to take every possible action to reduce costs, restore revenue streams, and preserve jobs,” he said.

On COVID-19 safety measures put in place by Emirates, Mr Hafiz said a number of them had been instituted to instil travel confidence with customers.

He said these included the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers.

Emirates, Mr Hafiz said, had also included personal protective equipment for all our boarding staff and enhanced cleaning on board to reduce the risks of infection.

“In addition, the advanced HEPA air filters cleanse the air throughout the flight, and remove 99.97 percent of viruses and eliminate dust, allergens and germs from the cabin air for a healthier and safer on-board environment.

“After each journey and on landing in Dubai, each aircraft goes through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes to ensure safety and proper sanitation,” he said.

Mr Hafiz also said Africa was a key market for Emirates, and that over the years Emirates had seen it grow significantly.

“An important factor in that growth has been the opening of markets and economies, with people now being able to connect smoothly and easily across the world, whether for business or tourism. Emirates has played a role in facilitating that economic growth,” he said.