Asiana Activates Wuhan Pneumonia Response Headquarters...Suspends Some China Routes Starting Next Month

Flight Operations Between Incheon and Guilin, Haikou, Changsha Scheduled to Suspend Starting Next Month

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Asiana Airlines announced on the 29th that it has activated a company-wide task force from the 28th to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

According to Asiana Airlines, the task force led by Byeong-seok Ahn, Head of the Management Support Division (Executive Director), consists of 20 executives and team leaders from all departments including sales, management, airport, cabin, flight operations, and maintenance. The company explained that this means establishing a unified decision-making system suitable for emergency situations to quickly prepare countermeasures.

Asiana Airlines has allowed flight attendants to wear masks on all routes as the novel coronavirus situation spreads, and has placed masks and hand sanitizers on site. In addition, customers who have booked flights on China routes are exempt from cancellation and reissue fees if they request cancellations or changes.

Furthermore, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Asiana Airlines plans to temporarily suspend operations on some routes starting early next month. The affected routes are ▲Incheon~Guilin and Haikou (from February 1) ▲Incheon~Changsha (from February 3). Asiana Airlines plans to decide on the resumption of flights and timing depending on the development of the novel coronavirus situation.

President Chang-soo Han stated, "Above all, the most important thing is the safety of customers and employees, and we will make every possible effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus." He added, "It is unfortunate that many people are suffering in Wuhan, China, and I hope that the relief supplies will help to stop the spread of the virus and quickly resolve the situation even a little."

Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines plans to urgently transport masks and medical supplies worth about 40 million won to support residents in the Wuhan area affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak via Incheon~Chengdu and Beijing flights starting from the 31st.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.