By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent
The Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) ordered foreign carriers and local aircraft with international routes to disinfect their aircraft before landing or takeoff at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in a bid to prevent the spread of harmful insects and disease.
In a directive, the BoQ stated that disinfection is a public health measure mandated by the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization. It involves treatment of the interior of the aircraft with insecticides specified by the health body.
Asean Airlines Operators Council Chairman Onnie Nakpil and Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal welcomed the move, saying the new policy is for the passengers’ protection against viruses.
The new policy covers spraying or fumigation to maintain and ensure the facilities and conveyance used by passengers are free from vectors. Airline staff must submit the canister used in spraying to the quarantine officers on duty as a proof of spraying.
Quarantine officials said the procedures include treatment of the interior of the aircraft using a quick-acting insecticide spray immediately before takeoff with the passengers on board and treatment of the interior of the aircraft on the ground before passengers come on board using a residual-insecticide aerosol plus additional in-flight treatment with a quick-acting spray shortly before landing.
Also included is the regular application of a residual insecticide to all internal surfaces of the aircraft, except those in food preparation areas.
During arrival at the airport and prior to cargo being unloaded, every hold of the aircraft must be sprayed with one shot cans of two percent d-phenothrin and two percent of permethrin, with the numbers of cans required to be determined by the type of aircraft.
A Boeing B747-400 needs 400 grams or four cans; 300 grams/three cans for B777-200; B777-300-500 needs three cans; Airbus A340-200 200 grams or two cans; A330-200, two cans; A330-300, three cans; A320, one can while A319 needs 70 grams or one can while ERJ 190 needs 50 grams or one can; B737-200, two cans.
If the carriers or airline operators failed to comply, the Bureau will do the spraying and a fee of PHP 375 per can will be charged against them.
