With flight activity picking up again in Malaysia following the downturn due to the global health crisis, Malaysia Airlines has announced new hygiene measures for its Golden Lounges. The carrier hopes these initiatives will boost confidence in travel while it continues to offer a premium and personalized hospitality experience.

Malaysia Airlines Jet
Malaysia Airlines is scaling up its hygiene initiatives. Photo: Malaysia Airlines

Safety first

According to a press release seen by Simple Flying, the flag carrier of Malaysia's Golden Lounges in Kuala Lumpur International Airport have been inspected as part of a collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Malaysia (MOH). With this heightened sense of cleanliness, there are new safety measures outlined under guidelines set by the authorities.

The key aspects of the new initiatives in place include:

  • Contactless registration and temperature scanning;
  • Hand sanitizers at all critical locations within the lounge;
  • Social distancing seating arrangements and capacity monitoring;
  • Digital food and beverage ordering solution via QR code as well as ‘grab & go’ pre-packed light meals;
  • Adoption of heightened hygiene protocols at prayer rooms, family rooms, and nap rooms.
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge
There are new protocols in place at the Golden Lounges. Photo: Malaysia Airlines

A new world

Malaysia Airlines Group COO Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi expressed that the coronavirus pandemic has deeply affected the travel industry. Therefore, new measures have to be in place to help protect the company's customers.

"COVID-19 has changed the face of travel as we know it. As an airline that cares, we are continuously listening to the voice of our passengers and doing everything we can to address their expectations and demands, without compromising on the safety, security and hygiene aspects," Azmi said, according to the press release.

"The new initiatives are part of Malaysia Airlines vision in ensuring the health and welfare of customers and employees remains of the utmost priority, while ensuring our lounges continue to provide a premium and personal experience."

Malaysia Airlines Lounge
Malaysia Airlines is clearly communicating it's new measures. Photo: Malaysia Airlines

The businessman also added that he is grateful for the support and input from Malaysia's Ministry of Health. Furthermore, he said his firm will continue to ensure that the effectiveness of the preventive measures is aligned and in accordance with global best practices and recommendations.

Golden Lounge Malaysia Airlines
There is a touch of class at the Golden Lounges. Photo: Malaysia Airlines

Demand is picking up

In Malaysia, the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) began earlier this month. This order allows for the resumption of domestic travel across the country. Subsequently, passenger bookings have spiked since, with AirAsia last week selling a record-breaking 41,000 seats in just one day.

Therefore, with several travelers now passing through airports once again, airlines, authorities, and aviation bodies need to ensure the right policies are in place to enable the safest environment possible. Altogether, Malaysia Airlines is ready to assist its passengers as much as they can with its new safety measures and communications.

What are your thoughts about Malaysia Airlines' new measures for its Golden Lounges? Will you be traveling with the carrier soon? Let us know what you think  of the initiatives in the comment section.