Airlines try to manage manpower as Covid cases rise
By Arjay L. Balinbin, Senior Reporter
LOCAL AIRLINES said they are trying to manage the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on their work force, as many have called in sick, affecting their operations.
“Many of our cabin crew called in sick. As such, we were compelled to cancel flights. Combination of domestic and international,” Philippine Airlines (PAL) Spokesperson Cielo C. Villaluna told reporters in a Viber message on Monday.
She added that PAL’s ticket office workers from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 were transferred to Terminal 2 to help augment ticketing manpower.
“Several of our ticketing agents also called in sick, which is why we transferred ticketing agents from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.”
The airline said sustaining full operations has been difficult because of the increasing number of its frontline and support personnel being unable to work due to precautionary quarantine or self-isolation requirements.
Some employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to Ms. Villaluna.
The flag carrier canceled several domestic flights on Monday, including those between Manila and Cagayan de Oro, Manila and Cebu, Manila and Pagadian, Manila and Dipolog, and Manila and Caticlan.
The airline also canceled flights between Manila and Tokyo.
“This is a very fluid situation. We may need to cancel more flights or make other operational adjustments in the coming days. Please continue to check flight status for any changes in your flight schedule,” PAL said.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific also reported having employees who were either sick or under home quarantine.
“Despite best efforts, the current situation has resulted in necessary reductions in scheduled flights,” the budget carrier said.
Various Cebu Pacific domestic flights were canceled on Monday, including those between Manila and Caticlan, Manila and Butuan, Manila and Cagayan de Oro, Manila and Cauayan, Manila and Iloilo, and Manila and Tuguegarao.
“Cebu Pacific operates with 100% fully vaccinated active flying crew. Our pilots and cabin crew undergo regular antigen testing (test before duty) before they are assigned to operate flights,” the airline said.
“Cebu Pacific has already started its booster program to ensure the continued safety of its employees and passengers,” it added.
For its part, Philippines AirAsia said it “elevated its internal COVID-19 response to ensure the health and safety of its Allstars (employees) and its guests, hence optimizing operations and preventing flight cancelations.”
The low-cost carrier said it established a “Safety Plus 24/7 Team” to strengthen its support and monitoring of the health and well-being of its employees.
“The airline welcomed the first week of January by enforcing the submission of the online daily health check form which monitors the health condition of all its Allstars, including those who are on work at home status. Its flight operations department is also clustering schedules and does regular onsite antigen tests for flight deck and cabin crew,” Philippines AirAsia noted.
The airline added that it prioritized securing booster shots for all of its employees who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
