Brazilian offshore operator Omni Taxi Aereo has adapted some of its aircraft to transport workers in the oil and gas sector with suspected COVID-19. The measure aims to offer companies operating in the sector the safety of its passengers and crew of aircraft.

The AW139 and S76C+ helicopters have been adapted as sanitary aircraft to transport passengers with suspected flu or colds with lined seats, monitoring by a nursing technician, limited number of seats for passengers, use of protective curtain to isolate the cabin from the pilots' cockpit, forced cabin ventilation and the use of protective masks and coveralls for the crew. After each flight, the nursing technicians carefully clean the aircraft.

For cases of suspected or confirmed passengers with COVID-19, transport will be carried out by an S76C++ aeromedical aircraft, which has a stretcher and the presence of medical staff on board, in addition to the same care and asepsis that are being applied to sanitary aircraft. Beyond these actions, Omni has set up an exclusive interdisciplinary committee to monitor all events, which includes the presence of its board, specialised professionals and doctors to guide its actions.

The company also responded by: cleaning aircraft after each flight, including seats, life jackets, doors, handles and seat arms. Care goes beyond aircraft and extends to check-in, security and boarding locations; replacing shell noise mufflers by ear plugs for passengers, to avoid the risk of contamination; making available masks and gloves for all crew, mechanics and service agents; sourcing 70 per cent alcohol gel with easy access for all passengers and employees; ensuring all rooms have open doors and windows to facilitate air circulation; implementing a sanitary self-declaration form to be applied at check-in and passenger thermal measurement allowed; carrying out daily thermal measurement of all employees; and removing any employee who has symptoms of complaint or fever.

Roberto Coimbra, Omni's CEO, explains that safety is a priority and that all measures implemented are being reviewed daily: “We are in permanent contact with the health authorities through our medical professionals, and with the aeronautical authorities and manufacturers through our personnel in the operational areas. Our COVID-19 prevention measures are being improved every day, so that we can continue to serve the oil and gas market with agility and in total safety for our employees and passengers.”

The sanitary and aeromedical rescue aircraft to transport passengers with suspected flu or COVID-19 are available to all customers with contracted flights and those in the sector who may need this service.