Amid COVID-19 Impact... Korean Air Embarrassed by Cabin Crew COVID-19 Confirmed Cases (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Korean Air, struggling due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is unable to hide its embarrassment following the confirmed diagnosis of one of its cabin crew members.

Korean Air is particularly closely monitoring the possibility that the COVID-19 situation may affect its main routes, such as those to the Americas, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the travel alert for Korea to Level 3.

Korean Air announced on the 25th that, following the confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis of one of its cabin crew members, it plans to temporarily close its Incheon office starting this afternoon and carry out disinfection measures.

In response to this confirmed case, Korean Air will thoroughly conduct in-flight disinfection and proactively implement self-quarantine measures for crew members exhibiting similar symptoms. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras will be installed at major workplaces to check employees for fever symptoms. It is also reported that cameras have been installed at offices near Gimpo Airport and other locations.

Furthermore, since the 23rd, Korean Air has been conducting joint briefings for flight and cabin crew beside the aircraft (shipside), instead of at the existing Incheon office.

Within Korean Air, anxiety is spreading amid speculation that the confirmed crew member was assigned to major international routes such as Tel Aviv, Israel, and Los Angeles (LA), USA.

Korean Air is currently withholding detailed information about the crew member’s movements. A Korean Air official stated, "We are establishing a close cooperative system with the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of infectious diseases," and added, "Detailed information will be provided in consultation with the CDC."

Meanwhile, as COVID-19 rapidly spreads, the aviation industry is also suffering significant damage. Eastar Jet, facing deteriorating business conditions, has decided to pay only 40% of employees’ wages this month, and Air Seoul is considering suspending all routes in March. Various self-help measures are reportedly being discussed by each airline.

Major airlines are also struggling to devise countermeasures as the U.S. CDC strengthens controls by raising the travel alert for Korea. A representative from a major domestic airline said, "It feels like what was inevitable has finally come," and added, "There is no choice but to wait for the COVID-19 situation to subside early."

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