China's national flag carrier Air China has implemented thorough disinfection and ventilation measures for aircraft arriving at Beijing. All crew members are equipped with medicine and masks and stricter measures have been taken to ensure food on board is sanitary.

Air China has asked all passengers to be aware of their health condition before boarding. If SARS symptoms were discovered, passengers would not be able to board.

Singapore Airlines' Beijing office also announced similar measures to prevent the spread of SARS on its aircraft.

If unhealthy passengers were discovered, they would be asked whether they had had contact with SARS patients. Crew members would have their temperatures taken regularly and medical examinations provided.

Masks would be provided on flights from Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong and if any passenger showed symptom of SARS, flight attendants would be required to use gloves while serving.

Seat cushions and even carpets would be removed from the area near any person suspected to carry the disease.

Experts said modern aircraft were all equipped with cabin air filter systems, which could prevent the recycling of bacteria and viruses. Air was recycled every three minutes, so the chance of contracting the virus was very low.

(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2003)