Four Star Alliance Airlines Achieve Diamond Standard in APEX Health Safety Powered by SimpliFlying Audit
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Four Star Alliance member airlines have achieved the highest possible level of certification among airlines taking part in the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying program.
The APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying program recognizes an airline’s preparedness to deal with passenger-related health and hygiene challenges presented by COVID-19. Four Star Alliance carriers — Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines — are among 12 launch airlines that have completed the audit. Of the 12, nine were certified at “hospital-grade” Diamond level, including the four Star Alliance airlines.
“Star Alliance carriers have raised the bar for health safety standards in the industry through their hospital-grade efforts.”
Shashank Nigam, SimpliFlying
“Early on during the COVID-19 crisis, Star Alliance member airlines adopted six unified commitments for customer health and hygiene safety,” said Star Alliance’s CEO, Jeffrey Goh. “We are deeply proud that four of our member airlines have gone on to be the first to reach the highest Diamond Health Safety level in the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying audited program. It is a testament to their customer-centric efforts and demonstrates that customer hygiene safety is paramount for members of Star Alliance.”
APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying provides a science-based 58-point validation process that goes beyond governmental requirements to set a higher industry standard. There are three certification levels under the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying program: Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
“As more travelers return to the skies, APEX wants customers to know the verified steps being taken by leading airlines worldwide for their well-being,” explained APEX/IFSA CEO, Dr. Joe Leader. “Every step that we take with airlines to set even higher standards for health safety for passengers ultimately helps keep people safer in the air and on the ground.”
Based on SimpliFlying’s report, The Rise of Sanitised Travel, the 58-point validation reviews the most critical areas for passenger and staff health safety across ten stages of the traveler journey. The self-audit survey can be performed free online and offers preliminary results instantly. The touchpoints are reviewed quarterly by APEX’s board members.
Audited airlines must submit proof for each measure, including pictures, videos or logs. This evidence is verified by the SimpliFlying team, which then awards the airline a FLyQ score. Airlines must score at least 200 FlyQ points to attain the Gold standard, at least 300 FlyQ points for the Platinum standard, and over 400 FlyQ points for the Diamond standard certification.
“Star Alliance carriers have raised the bar for health safety standards in the industry through their hospital-grade efforts. These steps in ensuring health safety go a long way in bolstering trust among travelers,” said Shashank Nigam, CEO, SimpliFlying.
APEX and SimpliFlying have instituted a Health Safety Medical Board of universities, doctors and hospital experts, as well as an Airline Safety Board, to drive additional industry advancement in terms of best customer care practices during the pandemic. These teams work to review the latest research and provide customer-centric recommendations. APEX and SimpliFlying then work with airlines to advance implementation for passengers during quarterly airline audit updates.
The APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying program is open to all airlines. There are three tiers of participation, including Certified, Health Safety Board Observer and Health Safety Board Director.
A further 21 airlines are still advancing through the review process. APEX and SimpliFlying aim to certify 100 airlines globally before the end of the year.