YACL Strengthens Airport Maintenance, Safety and Cleaning Measures at Yangon International Airport

As part of its commitment regarding airport maintenance, safety and health/hygiene to all airport users and industry business partners, YACL, the operator of Yangon International Airport (YIA) has strengthened the type and frequency of airport maintenance, as well as the cleaning and disinfection processes in all areas within YIA's premises, taking advantage of the enforced temporary ban (restrictions) for all international flights, as a preventive measure for the containment the COVID-19 viral outbreak.

Since the 08 March, 2020 YACL reinforced its regular maintenance on terminals and airside facilities and implementing all measures considered in the Airport Public Health Contingency Plan (APHCP), approved by the Regulator, stepping up the safeguard for the health of the airport users and travelers as well as providing enhanced operational supports at the airside areas for airlines and ground handlers.

The main maintenance and public health measures and actions implement were:

Operational Measures at Airside

To enhance Safety, Operational efficiency and compliance with regulations;

• Repainting works at the Runway, Taxiways, Aprons, and Parking stands;
• Removal of unnecessary airfield old markings and accumulated rubber on Runway and Taxiways pavement utilizing Cyclone Clean Technology ¹
• Repainting of entire Aprons Service Roads
• Implementation of 8 dedicated airside stations for the proper collection of Hazardous Wastes (aircraft cleaning and disinfection), as well as the establishment of Disinfection Units in Aprons A and B, managing the daily wastes safely and granting the health of involved staff;

Health and Hygiene Measures in the Terminals ²

To suppress the risk of COVID-19 spread in Terminals 1 and 3 areas, YACL’s Terminal Management Service (TMS) has stepped up on the cleaning procedures as follows;

• Frequent Deep Cleaning and Disinfection of high contact areas such as floors, carpet, walls, toilets, baggage trolleys, lifts, escalators, and handrails;
• Increased frequency of waste disposal;
• Strengthen air ventilation and periodically cleaning of air-condition units and filters;
• Installation of hand sanitizers stations;
• Entrance to Airport Terminal Building restricted to passengers holding a valid ticket and staff on duty only.
• Reduced the number of Entrance Points for the Airport Terminal Buildings, and implementation of compulsory temperature checks to all airport users at the security screening check-points;
• Strict prohibition of Betel chewing and spitting at any public areas within the Terminals or its vicinity – police enforcement;   
• Daily briefings with cleaning staff regarding the correct usage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) while performing house-keeping works and disinfection procedures afterward.

Pedro Cavem, Operations and Safety Director of Yangon Aerodrome Co. Ltd., said: "We always prioritize the health and safety of airport users, travelers, and staff while keeping the operational efficiency at YIA. It's also essential to keep the facility fully operational to support cargo, medical and relief flights, vital for the sustainability of Myanmar, and to get fully prepared for the resumption of the Air Transport activity, which we all hope to occur in soon, with implementations of new airport processes arisen from the COVID-19 viral outbreak management.

At this stage is of utmost importance to regaining the confidence of the public and passengers, showing that airports are safe and that Public Health shall be preserved at all possible extent.

For YACL the assurance, of a safe, secure, and efficient Airport Operation is the utmost concern.”

"The full cooperation of each individual at the airport is vital to contain the spread of COVID-19, especially where the congregation of people takes place at areas within terminals. We strongly encourage airport users to follow the health guidelines while traveling," he added.

Contact:

YIA Media Relations Team

Email: media.relations@yangon.aero