Major European airlines in the Lufthansa Group have enhanced Covid-19 protection measures on flights between China and Europe. The group's premium carriers, Lufthansa German Airlines, Swiss International Airlines and Austrian Airlines, are operating six flights to the Chinese mainland, including four to Shanghai, and 11 to Hong Kong every week. “Full prevention measures involving new technologies and innovations have been initiated on these flights to ensure the safety of travelers," said Chen Qian, Senior Director Sales of China, Lufthansa Group Airlines. The airlines have begun offering contactless boarding via facial recognition to further reduce personal contact. The boarding and debarking of passengers have been staggered to ensure social distancing. Onboard services have been minimized, while strict cabin cleaning standards are applied, said Chen.
All Lufthansa Group aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters that are used in hospital operating rooms. The system continuously cleans cabin air and filters impurities such as dust, bacteria and viruses. The “Centogene” Covid-19 testing facilities at Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa's largest hub, have been examined and approved by Chinese authorities to offer quick tests to travelers before flights to China. In 2020, Lufthansa German Airlines became the first global carrier to operate charter flights between China and Germany. Such flights are also planned for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February. Swiss International Airlines will operate three weekly charter flights in the period from December 2021 to February 2022 between Beijing and Zurich to send European athletes, coaches and teams to participate in the Games. Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines will also add charter flights to Beijing for athletes, the Shanghai Daily reports.
