Hactl has returned to full manning and normal operations, following the reporting on October 7th of a single case of COVID-19 in the company’s ramp handling team, which led to the quarantining of his close work contacts by Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection.
All quarantined staff subsequently tested negative, have now been released from the quarantine centre and have returned home.
The manpower shortage resulting from the quarantine affected around 20% of flights but – despite the additional impact on all airport operations of two typhoons on October 9th and 13th – the situation was progressively brought under control through increased overtime, re-scheduling of some flights, re-deployment of other ramp-trained Hactl staff and subcontracting of some duties to other operators.
Less than 5% of Hactl’s workforce were affected, and over 80% of flights were handled within normal timeframes.
Hactl’s terminal operations were not affected.
Staff safety and business continuity remain Hactl’s top priorities, and the company has accordingly introduced a number of additional measures to further increase its resilience to COVID-19:
- installation of 120 sanitization devices with more on order
- provision of two robots for disinfection of common areas
- display of posters and signage throughout staff facilities and common areas of SuperTerminal 1 to remind staff and terminal users to maintain anti-COVID precautions
- deployment of additional cleaning staff
- more frequent cleansing and sanitisation of staff rest rooms and common areas
- provision of additional PPE to staff members handling inbound cargoes from high-risk areas
“Hactl apologises to all who have been inconvenienced by this situation, which was beyond its control,” a statement read.
“It thanks customers for their patience, understanding and cooperation, and its staff for their customary hard work and dedication which have successfully mitigated the impact on its service levels”.
