KARACHI: Taking cognizance of the need to implement robust protocols in the current COVID-19 environment and in continuation to the measures taken by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to prevent the spread of COVfD-19 in Pakistan, subject Standard Operating Procedures have been approved by the Competent Authority, for domestic private aircraft flight operations restricted between Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports only.
The Standard Operating Procedures will come into immediate effect and full compliance with the instructions contained therein shall be ensured by all Private Aircraft Operators.
An undertaking assuring full compliance in letter and spirit with the instructions of the SOPs shall be submitted to CAA at the time of filing request for authorization of any such flight. All Private Aircraft Operators are to ensure strict compliance.
The aircraft operations shall be subject to full compliance of PCAA instructions regarding aircraft disinfection, passenger and crew protection measures. In order to ensure safety of passengers and crew (cockpit & cabin) and to minimize the risks associated with COVID-T9, following measures are to be taken in case of private aircraft flight operations within Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad Airports Only):
Pre-Embarkation:
1. The aircraft will be disinfected in accordance with procedures prescribed by PCAA at each station 1-2 hours before take-off time and a strong disinfectant shall be used before passenger boarding. The disinfection certificate shall be countersigned / verified by the CAA officials. The disinfectant brand name must be logged in aircraft documents. The Captain of the aircraft shall satisfy himself/herself regarding full compliance of PCAA instructions on disinfection. The Entity carrying out disinfection must be a PCAA registered Handling Agent who is well-versed in this aspect.
2. An inventory of essential PPE to deal with a health emergency during flight may be maintained in each aircraft (e.g. protective suite, gloves, surgical masks etc.)
3. The Domestic Passenger Health Declaration form (in duplicate) shall be disseminated to all potential travellers and crew members. Passenger Health Declaration Form shall be provided to passengers/ crew in advance
4. Compliance of completion of Domestic Passenger Health Declaration Form by the passengers/crew shall be the Captain’s responsibility,
5. The Domestic Passenger Health Declaration form is required to be filled and signed by all Passengers/ Guardians (in case of infants/ disabled) before check-in at the port of embarkation.
6. Passengers are to be scanned through thermal devices for COVID-19 before boarding.
7. Passengers may occupy seats in a staggered fashion (when practical), maintaining appropriate distance and wearing Face masks throughout the flight.
8. Boarding of all passengers and flight crew shall be through the passenger terminal building. No protocol would be allowed beyond the briefing area in the passenger terminal building. Boarding of passengers must be done in a manner whereby it is ensured that the prescribed distance is maintained during boarding.
9. All baggage must be sprayed with a hospital grade disinfectant.
Similarly, during flight and at the time Disembarkation the strict SOPs will be enforced on all three airports. The passengers are requested to cooperate to a maximum level of safety and precautions.
