PH airlines ready to resume flights under ‘new normal’

Philippine carriers are ready to resume passenger commercial flights under the “new normal” as the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines renewed their call for government support.

“The aviation industry has always been held to a higher standard for safety and risk management versus other forms of mass transportation, and as such, processes and procedures that uphold the welfare and safety of passengers and personnel have been put in place to prevent the risk of infection from viruses and other contaminants,” said Roberto Lim, executive director and vice chairman of ACAP.

“While details may vary among individual members of ACAP, the new normal for flights will include minimized contact between passengers and the airline staff, increased utilization of online and digital processes for check-in and boarding, intensified cleaning and disinfection of all aircraft and facilities, among others,” Lim said.

ACAP, comprised of AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, Philippine Airlines and PAL Express, were preparing for flights under “new normal” conditions once the national and local governments eased travel restrictions and quarantine requirements. 

Lim said measures undertaken by ACAP members adhere to the safety protocols set by the Department of Health and Department of Transportation and globally accepted standards set by the International Air Transport Association, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and the World Health Organization.

ACAP reiterated its appeal for government support for member-airlines to sustainably operate given the catastrophic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation industry.

It sought assistance under the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act via long-term credit facility, working capital credit lines, credit guarantee arrangements and temporary relief from navigational and airport charges.

“To be clear, we are not asking for a bail-out or dole-out from government. What we are asking for is a hand-up to help airlines recover. The liquidity problems faced by the Philippine aviation industry are very similar to the challenges that airlines all over the world are dealing with. Airlines all over the world are already in talks with their respective governments for relief packages and inclusion in stimuli programs, many of which have already been granted,” Lim said.

The broader Philippine aviation industry generates over 543,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“Air transport has facilitated the growth of the tourism and services industry by providing new and efficient ways of movement for people, goods and business. The connectivity established by airlines has boosted inter-island trade and commerce and the businesses of hotels, restaurants, and tourism enterprises—all of which are sectors that provide millions of jobs. The decrease in air transport activity does not only threaten airlines but also the local communities dependent on tourism,” Lim said.