Extensive health and safety precautions at Edmonton International Airport (EIA) have landed it the top global accreditation for its COVID-19 response.
Through its EIA Ready campaign, the airport has been accredited by Airports Council International (ACI) under its rigorous Airport Health Accreditation Program. The accreditation means EIA is meeting high standards on how it has responded to COVID-19 and passenger safety concerns.
The ACI accreditation was created to help passengers, airlines and governments understand that individual airports have adopted best practices and are meeting industry-wide guidelines for safe reopening and operations. The program evaluates cleaning and disinfection standards, physical distancing (where feasible and practical), staff protection, physical layout, passenger communications and passenger facilities.
“Airports are critical to the economic recovery from COVID-19. EIA is dedicated to supporting the Edmonton Metro Region by not only maintaining essential travel options but also ensuring ongoing cargo operations that support jobs, growth and trade. Our EIA Ready campaign and this accreditation show we’re continuing to invest in our region and as well as providing safe access to Canadian and international destinations” said Tom Ruth, president and CEO, Edmonton International Airport.
All passenger areas and processes are considered including terminal access, check-in areas, security screening, boarding gates, lounges, retail, food and beverages, gate equipment such as boarding bridges, escalators and elevators, border control areas and facilities (in collaboration with authorities), baggage claim area and arrivals exit.
The EIA Ready campaign promotes enhanced cleaning at the airport, as well as the adoption of technologies such as touchless boarding passes, UV-light based cleaning systems and extensive public communications and passenger education.
“This is about establishing an international standard, so passengers know that when they visit an accredited airport, they know their safety and security is our top priority. We’re proud of this achievement but the work doesn’t stop here. Through EIA Ready we’re in this for the long term so the public knows our airport is safe now and into the future,” said Steve Maybee, vice-president, operations and infrastructure, Edmonton International Airport.
The Airport Health Accreditation Program is also consistent with the recommendations and industry priorities put forward by ACI’s Airport Industry Recovery Advisory Panel in June. As the report recommends, the restart and recovery of the aviation sector will require a consistent and harmonized approach with clear industry standards and good practices. More airports adopting the Airport Health Accreditation program is a concrete step that airports can take to reaffirm their commitment to health and safety.
