Measures towards resilience and recovery in light of Covid-19
- Pausing and cutting down on non-essential cost
- Joint venture with Grumeti Air
- A minimum number of passengers required to operate the flight
- Reinforcing a safe experience
The COVID19 crisis has not only turned into a global pandemic but more importantly from a consumer behaviour point of view, it has impacted individuals from all walks of life and all economic and social statuses.
As reported by the Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS), COVID-19 virus has strongly impacted the way consumers perceive their financial situation. It is difficult to predict exactly what kind of travel and hospitality services customers will be choosing immediately after the crisis. We are anticipating slower traffic and a more safety-conscious traveller.
To reaffirm resilience from the current crisis and the inevitable economic hardship, we have actioned on the below parts.
Table of Contents
Measures towards resilience and recovery in light of Covid-19
1. Pausing and cutting down non-essential costs
We made a decision early on to decrease our monthly spend by 70%. We went through every line item in our general ledger and marked each one as essential or non-essential. We worked with our suppliers, employees and partners negotiating payments and salary cutbacks to weather the storm. Then, we prioritized revamping our business model, reinforcing our safe experience and utilizing our resources to monetize and bring in any revenue.
2. Joint venture with Grumeti Air
After meeting with other industry leaders, we all agreed there would be a slow recovery curve post COVID-19. In order to maintain a sustainable business, we have decided to strengthen our partnership with Grumeti Air through a cost & revenue-sharing model. This will alleviate the cost burden and allow us to offer the same level of service for guests once the borders re-open.
3. Minimum number of passengers required to operate the flight
In 2018, the number of tourists entering Tanzania rose from 1.3M to 1.5M. We are anticipating that the official number of tourists in 2019 will be as high as 1.8M.
This high volume allowed us to offer daily regular flights without a minimum number of passengers as flights would fill up before they depart. We are anticipating slow inbound traffic once travel restrictions are lifted, so we have set a minimum of 4 passengers per flight in order to operate. If the minimum number is not reached before your flight time, we will reschedule your flight to another date or issue a full refund. If you have any questions please email us at info@rukaafrica.com
4. Reinforcing a safe experience
Once the borders re-open, it will be about providing a safe experience for our guests. Not only do we want to deliver an exceptional experience, but we also want to show that their health and well-being is our priority.
Below are some of the policies and practices put in place during our operation together with our partner Grumeti Air:
1.) The cabin will be disinfected before every flight
All surfaces will be wiped down and disinfected with a scent-free disinfectant. This includes side panels, windows, seats, armrests, headrests, tray tables and seatbelts. Aircraft groomers will be using antiseptic disinfectant and wearing new, disposable 1.5 ‘Acceptable Quality Level’ medical grade gloves before each session.
2.) Open-air vents during flight
Encourage passengers to keep air vents open as the jet of air provides a shield between you and infected droplets from a fellow passenger
3.) No passengers will be booked in the aisle seats.
As airlines innovate in different ways of bringing social distancing to the skies. We find ourselves already practising social distancing by offering only window seats on our flights. This leaves the aisle seats empty and passengers enjoying the scenery through their window.
4.) Temperature Checks
Every Passenger will be temperature checked before boarding a Kilimanjaro scenic flight.
We find these changes necessary not only from a business perspective but also in delivering an exceptional experience keeping in mind your health and well-being.
