China Airlines Announces Quarantining Of Its Pilots Could Affect Its Cargo Operations

From Reuters:

“China Airlines said on Tuesday that the quarantining of its pilots to stem a COVID-19 outbreak is expected to affect more than 10% of its freighter capacity, potentially affecting the island’s chip exports.

Taiwan has kept the pandemic under control thanks to early prevention, with only sporadic domestic cases, but since last month it has been dealing with an outbreak linked to China Airlines pilots and an airport hotel where many of them stayed. There have been 35 confirmed infections so far in the outbreak.”

The airline issued this statement:

In response to the activation of “Clearing Plan 2.0” by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), China Airlines plans to organize air crews into separate groups for rolling 14-day home quarantines. The airline is therefore not grounded and will continue flying with available crews. Preliminary projections indicate that more than 10% of cargo carrying capacity will be affected. Flight schedules are still being adjusted and changes will be updated on the China Airlines website.

All available manpower will be mobilized by China Airlines. The exact arrangements are still being finalized with the CECC but every effort will be made to ensure that essential flights will continue to operate with the crews available. Passenger and cargo flights are still in the process of adjustment. Please check with the China Airlines website for flight changes.

Priority will be given to cargo routes to ensure the continuity of the industries. The short-term reduction in Taiwan’s import/export capacity will have an effect on cargo transport times. The carrying of passengers will be canceled on selected routes as well. China Airlines is doing everything possible to continue providing its services under current conditions while balancing the demands of epidemic prevention with the physical and mental well-being of air crews.