Here's how Etihad "saved" the Formula 1 world championship
Covid-19 did not stop Formula 1. The 2020 season ended in Abu Dhabi, for a calendar [...]
Etihad Airways
AUH
The Covid-19 did not stop the Formula 1. The 2020 season ended at Abu Dhabi, for an overall schedule comprising 17 stages. Complying with safety regulations was not easy, considering the large number of people called upon to travel from country to country, team after team. Looking at Abu Dhabi, the intervention of Etihad, which has managed to contribute greatly to human transportation and beyond. In fact, space was also given to racing bolides.
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Ten flights were made to transport Formula 1 crews and drivers from Manama, Bahrain, to Abu Dhabi. This was made possible by a mix of aircraft, from the Boeing 787 Dreamliners at Airbus A320 e A321. To this was added cargo flights, intended, of course, for cars and all the mechanical equipment provided. A real test of strength on the part of the company, able to guarantee absolute safety in such a complex case. An eye wink to all future passengers intending to take the flight for work or passion. The Etihad formula works and is able to guarantee the necessary safety against the pandemic related to the Covid-19 emergency.
The Etihad method
Ordinarily, one would not be surprised by such a transfer, which, although characterized by an impressive amount of elements, can be said to fall within a kind of norm. What is surprising is that Etihad has been able to comply with the trappings of the Formula 1 biosphere.
The company transported 1,248 people-a real logistical challenge considering the constraints imposed by this particular year. Here is a brief comment from Terry Daly, Etihad Airways executive: "2020 offered us an opportunity to showcase our 'credentials' and the way forward in this area in our response to Covid-19. Our role in this operation has been meticulously planned."
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The company had to take into account that the different stables were reporting to as many health bubbles. It was decided to close part of the Bahrain airport to allow this huge volume of passengers to pass through. In Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, the decision was made to close Terminal 3 completely, for the entire day, allowing the safe arrival of scheduled Formula 1 flights. All people on board had to present a certificate stating that they were negative in order to leave Bahrain. A retest was then administered to everyone once they arrived in Abu Dhabi. The passengers were then isolated in six different hotels, awaiting the results. A mammoth operation, which ended in the best possible way.
What is the biosphere?
The biosphere model made its first appearance right in Abu Dhabi. A key test that yielded excellent results in terms of safety. This means that in all likelihood Formula 1 may decide to implement it again in Australia, on the occasion of the first weekend of F1 2021.
Biosphere is defined as a new type of bubble, within which to fit all interested members of the various stables. Total and absolute control of any planned movement. For this reason, Abu Dhabi was only reached by charter flights in order to have control over possible contacts. As many as 4 negative swabs were also required for entry.
Nothing is left to chance and movement restrictions are even stricter than usual between hotels and the circuit. A test carried out not surprisingly in Abu Dhabi, which has always been very careful about entry into the state. The same goes for Australia, which in 2021 will be a new and important test case.
