Hong Kong International Airport has become the latest airport to provide rent relief for tenants as a direct result of the Covid-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) outbreak.

This latest round of rent relief measures, coupled with rental adjustment and concessions, follows those introduced last year as a result of the anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The relief measures amount to around HK$1.6m ($295,390).

As reported, Airports of Thailand revealed a package of assistance measures to dampen the impact felt by operators due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and associated fall in tourist numbers.

Additionally, Singapore Changi publicly stated that food & beverage (F&B) and service concessionaires at Changi Airport would receive rental assistance. This followed a budget announcement by Singapore’s Minister of Finance on 18 February.

An Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) statement said: “Since the novel coronavirus outbreak, the number of passengers at Hong Kong International Airport has decreased significantly, causing impact of different extent to businesses operating at the airport. AA is introducing a new round of relief measures, including rental concessions, reduction, or waiver of fees, among others to relieve the pressure on business operations for the industry.”

NEW ROUND OF RENT RELIEF MEASURES

The new round of relief measures will benefit different airport business partners including airport retail (Shilla, Gebr. Heinemann and CDF-Lagardère), catering outlets, airlines,  ground handling agents, ramp handling services companies and aviation support service companies, according to AA. “In September 2019, the AA introduced rent concessions and other relief measures in view of the impact on businesses brought by social unrest, followed by this new round of measures. It is hoped that the two rounds of relief measures will help the industry during this difficult period.”

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines has revealed details of enhanced cleaning and precautionary measures on board Singapore Airlines and SilkAir aircraft as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. According to a letter circulated to members of the airline’s KrisFlyer programme, which was seen by TRBusiness, all Singapore Airlines and SilkAir aircraft undergo a thorough cleaning process when on the ground.

“In addition, all flights arriving from Mainland China undergo disinfectant fogging,” the letter read. “Common surfaces such as tray tables, handsets and inflight entertainment screens are cleaned with disinfectant wipes and we also remove all headsets, headrest covers, pillow covers, bedsheets and blankets after every flight sector.”

Air filtration systems are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, which are believed to perform similarly to those used in hospital operation rooms. Constant airflow ensures cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes. The letter added: “During this period, you may also notice that there have been changed to our inflight services. These include the replacement of the hot towel service with pre-set wet towelettes, cessation of the after take-off drink service, removal of reading materials from seat-back pockets and suspension of inflight sales.”

Since 29 January 2020, cabin crew and pilots operating out of Singapore have undergone pre-flight temperature screening. Cabin crew have also been told to immediately see a doctor if they feel unwell and not to report for work.