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El Dorado, the first airport in the Americas to receive a five-star rating from Skytrax for the implementation of biosecurity measures.

• Following a thorough audit process conducted by Skytrax, a British consultancy specializing in international air transport quality, El Dorado received the highest recognition of 5 stars in the COVID-19 airport security classification.
• Throughout 2020, El Dorado focused all its efforts on implementing biosecurity measures to mitigate and prevent COVID-19 transmission, as well as providing a smooth and secure experience for all users through secure processes and cutting-edge technology.
• According to the Skytrax report, the accuracy and efficiency of the entry processes and procedures into the terminal, the implementation of thermal temperature controls, constant monitoring, in addition to the practicality and effectiveness of physical distancing protocols in all terminal areas, as well as the quality and availability of hand hygiene facilities, allowed El Dorado to achieve the highest biosecurity rating.

Bogotá D.C., December 2, 2020. In this year of great challenges, El Dorado has continued its commitment to providing the best service to all users through agile and innovative processes, with the health of all travelers and airport community members as a central focus. With this in mind, the airport has directed all its efforts towards becoming a reference point in biosecurity and providing peace of mind and confidence when traveling, which will allow us to continue contributing to the recovery of the Colombian sector and economy.

After a meticulous audit conducted by the British firm specializing in international air transport quality, Skytrax, El Dorado was recognized in the COVID-19 airport security classification with 5 stars, thanks to high standards of cleanliness and disinfection, best hygiene practices, and most importantly, consistent compliance with biosecurity protocols.

The COVID-19 audit was conducted over 3 days and is based on more than 400 rating elements that evaluate procedure efficiency, visual observation analysis, and ATP testing for surface cleanliness sampling. The scope and consistency of the biosecurity protocols implemented by El Dorado Airport were a key determinant in the final rating applied. The COVID-19 audit assessed the standard of personal protective equipment in all customer service areas and the consistent use of these elements, which was rated at a high level.

According to Skytrax, the thoroughness and efficiency of biosecurity processes, terminal entry procedures, and thermal temperature control are robust and well-monitored, as well as the practicality and usefulness of physical distancing protocols in all terminal areas, and the quality and availability of hand hygiene facilities.

"It is an honor for all of us to receive a 5-star rating in biosecurity, as it validates that we are doing things right. The commitment of all our collaborators, the airport community in general, and the national and district governments has made this rating possible. We will continue to work diligently so that all travelers feel safe and confident that the measures we have adopted meet high global standards. We will continue to work and innovate to keep El Dorado at the forefront of biosecurity," said Andrés Ortega, General Manager of Opain.

These are the biosecurity measures and protocols implemented during 2020:

• Over 1200 hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the airport terminal.
• 482 sinks with 280 soap dispensers.
• 40 portable sinks in public areas.
• 40 shoe disinfection mats.
• 201 bins in all terminals for disposing of biological waste: masks and gloves.
• Use of personal protective equipment by El Dorado staff.
• Technology as a key factor for COVID-19 prevention at El Dorado:
  • 18 advanced technology thermographic cameras for quick, timely, and accurate automatic temperature checks of groups or individuals.
  • Contactless travel document verification.
  • Use of self-check kiosks from mobile phones to minimize contact.
  • Biometric gates in immigration (Bioming).
  • Crowd control through cameras to prevent gatherings.

Currently, in the safety ratings, Fiumicino Airport (Rome) in Europe, El Dorado (Bogotá) in America, and Hamad (Qatar) in the Middle East have all received 5 stars. In the 4-star category, there are 9 European airports including Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg in Germany; Malpensa in Italy, and Athens in Greece. There are 13 airports in Europe with 3 stars, including Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow, Chopin, and Malaga, as well as Sabiha Goken in the Middle East.

About the COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating

To ensure transparency, accuracy, and consistency, COVID-19 Airport Safety Ratings are based on scientific studies and analyses by Skytrax. The analysis of hygiene protocols includes references to aviation health safety guidelines from ICAO, EASA, and ECDC COVID-19.

Skytrax launched the COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating program in August 2020, requiring expert airport audit teams to physically visit each airport and conduct hygiene analysis and efficiency and consistency evaluations of procedures.

Other Recognitions Received This Year

During the 27th edition of the World Travel Awards, for the first time, El Dorado International Airport was recognized as the Leading Airport in South America for 2020. The annual World Airport Awards ranking is the most important in the industry and is published by regions, evaluating services with the highest standards.

The Airport Council International (ACI) awarded Sanitary Accreditation to El Dorado, making it the first in Colombia and the second in South America to receive this certification. The parameters under which the CART program was applied included cleaning and disinfection of common areas, physical distancing signage, measures for personal protection, communication, and passenger facilities.

Additionally, it received the "Check in Certified, COVID-19 Secure" biosecurity seal and certification and the "SAFEGUARD" protection seal from Bureau Veritas, a certifying body, for the biosecurity measures implemented at the airport terminal. Furthermore, Bureau Veritas certified and awarded the SAFEGUARD seal to the airport after an audit verifying the implementation of measures and the proper execution of hygiene, health, and safety protocols.

At El Dorado, your health comes first. You can see it.

For more press information:

• Gigliola Valero | Communications Director | gvalero@eldorado.aero
• Alexandra Ángel | Communications Manager | yangel@eldorado.aero
• Paola Moreno | Account Director at Grupo Albión | Press Advisor | pmoreno@grupoalbion.net | Cell: +301 2285504