The Indian singer could be seen apologising to the Pakistani actor for not recognising her at first instance
entertainment1 hour ago
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) on Tuesday said air travel is safe because the risk of coronavirus transmission is low, while also opposing removing middle seats in aircraft as part of social distancing rules.
While giving a briefing, the global aviation body said no passenger-to-passenger transmission of coronavirus has been reported so far during flights.
"The neutralisation of the middle seat brings no additional guarantee of safety onboard from the virus. It is not something tangible. Most global airlines would not have been able to make money last year if a third of the seats had been removed," said Brian Pearce, chief economist of the Iata.
Alexandre de Juniac, director-general of the Iata, had said last month that leaving the middle seat empty was among the likely conditions for a resumption of air travel to be discussed with governments around the world.
Limiting movement in cabins
Dr David Powerll, medical advisor of the Iata, stressed that the risk of onboard transmission of the virus is low because there is no stagnant air, the air flow rate is high and air supply is also highly-filtered, therefore, minimising droplet spread within cabins.
He said normal seat allocation can be maintained but recommended certain in-flight measures, including limiting movement within the cabin during the flight, mandatory wearing of masks or face coverings onboard ad simplified catering procedures to limit movement and interaction.
He noted that face-to-face interaction is limited, seat backs provide a physical barrier between rows and there is a little mixing when passengers are sitting still, which would help contain the virus.
An analysis of 18 airlines conducted bythe Iata showed that there were three instances of passenger to crew infections, four instances of pilot-to-pilot, but there was no passenger-to-passenger transmission of coronavirus during flights.
"The risk of onboard virus transmission is low because people are generally avoiding travelling when they're unwell. They also avoid touching each other and surfaces and cover their faces when coughing or sneezing. Nobody has demonstrated that having an empty middle seat reduces chances of Covid-19 from one person to another," he added.
Dr Powell noted that all the modern Western jets are safer because recycling air supply is not an issue in these aircraft. But the only exception are some old-generation planes and some certain categories of turbo-type aircraft that circulate air without filtration.
"So the air circulation is not issue, but droplets from one passenger to another is," he added.
- waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com
The Indian singer could be seen apologising to the Pakistani actor for not recognising her at first instance
entertainment1 hour ago
The singer performed for over 54,000 fans
entertainment1 hour ago
The actor known for his romance flicks in Bollywood has been on a hiatus for 9 years
entertainment1 hour ago
Here are some thrilling ways to escape the summer heat and enjoy the indoors to the fullest
entertainment1 hour ago
After a bout of torrential rain, Dubai has bounced back like no other city, with automotive events being organised in full swing and big announcements being made
auto1 hour ago
Sounds of prayer 'hallelujah…praise the lord' filled the air as part of a religious ceremony marking the soft opening of the facility
uae1 hour ago
Afghanistan rulers are absent at the UN Human Rights Council meeting as Taliban are not recognised by the global body
asia1 hour ago
A recognition reaffirms Alaan's status as a leader in the corporate card and expense management sector in the Middle East
kt network1 hour ago