Corona virus is now posing threat in the world. As it is a deadly virus that spreads alarmingly it is good to take all the necessary actions to halt it. Air transport is considered to be one of the fastest means for the spread of the virus out of China.
To fly there or not to fly has become the question. Just as some airliners did, it is an easy option to cut flights and make sure that there is no means the virus would be transmitted and assures passengers that they are safe.
Nonetheless, Ethiopian airlines has taken a different stance and sustained its flights to its Chinese destinations. In a statement it said: “Ethiopian Airlines flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hong Kong will continue as normal. Flights will only be affected by the usual supply and demand adjustment that we always make during the Chinese New Year Holidays.”
As well, it stated that China is one of the strongest and one of the oldest markets for Ethiopian Airlines. “We have been connecting the great Chinese nation with the entire Africa for almost half a century and it is out growth strategic market.”
The patriotic decision of the air line can assist its business by adding sense of favor among customers. But is the risk worth taking? This should be seen in context.
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest carriers in Africa and the world. It has many flights to and from China. It is the main gateway to China for many African countries. But why does it insist on sustaining flight despite such threatening outbreak of disease?
Previously too, during the dreadful outbreak of Ebola virus in some Western and Central African countries Ethiopian Airline has shown its commitment to serving customers in spite of the challenges. But the effective preventive works carried out by the relevant government authorities have prevented the spread of the virus to the country and enabled the airline to deliver its usual service. It has also shown that withdrawal is not the only way to prevent the spread of such outbreak.
It doesn’t mean that the airline would keep on flying there whatever the level of the outbreak and spread of the diseases has reached. But as far as the situation is considered there is a reliable situation where it can continue to deliver the service. The resilience to serve the people to the last chance should be appreciated.
It is good to note that the airline is reputable company in its customer care. So it is likely to take action when the thing goes worse and beyond control.
So far the relevant government authorities here are doing all the best to prevent the entry of the virus to the country. In this regard Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) has established screening center at Bole International Airport and is carrying out strict control. Accordingly specimen from four suspects were examined the result of which shows negative.
Hence all concerned bodies should be further commended for their efforts so far. They should also keep on both their hard work and transparency so that passengers and the community at large should feel at ease.
The Ethiopian Herald February 1/2020
