Flexjet is routinely testing all of its more than 830 flight crew members for COVID-19 before each tour of duty.

Developed by a Rutgers University laboratory, called RUCDR Infinite Biologics, and administered by Vault Health, this at-home test is a PCR based test that utilises a saliva sample. PCR tests are sensitive and can directly detect small amounts of the virus's genetic material.

“From the very beginning of the pandemic, we have taken every possible step to ensure the health and wellbeing of our owners and our flight crews,” says Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro. “This announcement represents the next evolution of our overall strategy and will provide a key bridge while we wait for the large scale rollout of the various vaccine programmes.”

Flexjet has been aggressive in identifying creative solutions to continue operations while respecting COVID-19 regulations around the world. In March 2020, just as the virus was declared a global pandemic, Flexjet accelerated an existing plan to treat all of its aircraft interiors with MicroShield 360, an FDA-approved antimicrobial coating system which kills 99.99 per cent of bacteria and protects surfaces for a year. Flexjet also treated all of its facilities with MicroShield 360.

At roughly the same time, Flexjet was the first to launch its own internal airline, Project Lift, to ferry its flight crews to their assignments, allowing them to avoid the commercial airline environment. Project Lift is expected to continue operations into 2021. The proactive testing will be added to current flight crew protocols that include individual monitoring of health and the wearing of masks while on duty.

“I have been very impressed by all of the adaptions our flight crews have made during this pandemic,” Silvestro continues. “They truly exemplify a strength of character, and it's at the core of what makes our company great.”

Starting in January 2021, each crew member will be tested at home, before the start of duty. The test is administered under medical supervision via a telehealth video call to ensure that the saliva sample is collected correctly. Should any flight crew member test positive, they will be paid their full salary for the duration of their quarantine without needing to tap into any PTO days. And medical follow-up assistance will be provided as needed.

“This is not about dollars and cents, but about health,” Silvestro explains. “The safety, health and wellbeing of our clients and that of our flight crews is our priority, and it is at the core of our operations.”