Like all other airlines in the region, Royal Brunei Airlines too has taken precautionary measures against the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) to safeguard the in-flight crew as well as their valued customers.

In addition to precautions already in place from March 20, the crew has been advised to be diligent with hygiene and to seek immediate medical attention if they are not feeling well or have any symptoms of SARS. No RBA crew has contracted the SARS virus so far.

The latest measures are in response to the outbreak of SARS in countries to which Royal Brunei Airlines is operating commercial flights.

With immediate effect RBA will also instruct all captains to operate all flights with maximum cabin airflow. By turning off re-circulation fans, more fresh air will circulate in the cabin.

Although this decision will cause a higher level of fuel consumption, it has been taken to reduce the risk of germ transmission.

Another step that has been taken by RBA to prevent the spread of SARS is that all passengers and crew on flights from Hong Kong and Shanghai to Brunei will be required to complete a health form requesting information on symptoms, which might be related to SARS.

In the event of anyone showing symptoms of SARS, ground staff and relevant agencies will be pre-alerted to arrange for medical treatment to be given at the medical facility at the Brunei International Airport upon arrival.

In the event of a suspected case onboard the aircraft, the crew will notify the captain immediately. The crew and all passengers will then be provided with surgical masks onboard the flight.

The crew will have to identify and escort the passenger to the medical team upon arrival.

Like most airlines, RBA has experienced a drop in flight bookings due to SARS and the war in Iraq. But RBA has decided not to cancel flights to any destinations due to SARS.

And any cancellations that are made will be due to poor passenger loads to that destination, said RBA.

In-flight announcements are also being made to ensure passengers are aware of SARS symptoms and they are also advised to inform the crew if they come across any suspected cases.

RBA said that it will continue to liaise closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies in order to monitor any developments regarding SARS and initiate further procedures if necessary.