PHL AirAsia says more flights operate with fully vaccinated crew
LOW-COST carrier Philippines AirAsia, Inc. said on Thursday more domestic flights now operate with fully vaccinated crew.
AirAsia Philippines targets to have a fully vaccinated work force by the fourth quarter of the year, the company said in an e-mailed statement.
“To date, Philippines AirAsia has recorded a majority of 60% among its 1,500 Filipino [employees] who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” it added.
The low-cost airline had flights between Manila and Cebu on Wednesday with “fully vaccinated crew.”
“We are optimistic that by August, those who directly interact with our guests such as pilots, cabin crew, ground staff and ramp agents will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” Philippines AirAsia Spokesperson Steve F. Dailisan said.
AirAsia Group Berhad has said it expects its Philippine unit’s operations to “be below 25% of pre-COVID levels, until at least September 2021, while more of the population are receiving their vaccinations.”
AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Anthony Francis “Tony” Fernandes said the group also aims to raise new capital in the Philippines.
“We are also keenly exploring opportunities to gain market share, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines,” he said in a statement in May.
“Once borders are lifted, our robust business model provides confidence for a fast and strong recovery in our overall performance given our low-cost model and dominant positioning in Asean,” he added. — Arjay L. Balinbin
