HKIA launches Operation SkyFit

(HONG KONG, 7 May 2003) – The Airport Authority (AA) today brought together the airport community for the launch of Operation SkyFit, the campaign to involve all business partners at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to join hands in restoring confidence in air travel. .

Operation SkyFit requires all airport workers to take their temperature before reporting for duty, thereby assuring the travelling public that HKIA is fit and healthy.

Since the outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong in mid March, both the AA and its business partners such as airlines have stepped up measures to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene both in flight and at HKIA. Operation SkyFit is one step further to reinforce the concerted efforts of the airport community to bring back passengers. .

Addressing assembled business partners at the campaign launch today, AA Chief Executive Officer Dr David Pang said “I am convinced that our combined effort, expressed through Operation SkyFit, will be more than equal to the task of reversing the damage caused by SARS. Indeed, we are as determined now as we ever have been to overcome difficulties and win back business.”

Operation SkyFit is being launched to deliver one key message: that passengers can feel comfortable and safe to take any flights from Hong Kong to any destinations. The best possible warranty of the safety and health of the airport is to be achieved by asking all people working at the airport to take their temperature.

“Through Operation SkyFit, we want to demonstrate to our passengers that all individuals working at the airport are healthy and fit, that we take care to measure our own temperature, we take care to wash our hands frequently, and we take care to exercise. This healthy and fit airport workforce will take care of our passengers,” Dr Pang said.

The voluntary temperature taking measure is to commence on 8 May in accordance with implementation procedures developed by individual business partners. Staff who have a temperature should not report for duty and should instead seek medical advice. All staff will be encouraged to wear ‘Temperature OK’ stickers to reassure passengers with whom they come into contact.

Dr Pang said “As usual, the airport community at HKIA has joined forces in adversity. Our business partners have thrown themselves into Operation SkyFit with enthusiasm. By showing the world clearly that all airport staff are fit and healthy, we can now move forward aggressively to win back our passengers and sweep aside this temporary setback.

“The recovery of the aviation industry is a journey of combined efforts and time. It starts here, it starts with you and I,” he said at the kick off ceremony attended by 400 people representing all sectors of the airport community.

Officiating guests at the campaign launch included the Chairman of China National Aviation Corporation (Hong Kong) Ltd , Mr Zhang Xian Lin. Mr Zhang said “I am fully committed to leading our staff in participating in Operation SkyFit and taking my temperature every day before starting work. Passengers will surely regain full confidence in air travel within a short time and HKIA can resume its normal bustle before very long.”

Download the photos