BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific on Wednesday said it is speeding up the rollout of booster shots among its employees as it intensifies safety drive in response to the rising virus cases affecting its operations.
“Cebu Pacific… steps up its efforts to protect (everyone) amidst the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) surge through the roll out of booster vaccination for its employees,” the budget carrier said in an e-mailed statement.
The low-cost carrier noted that it vaccinated 200 employees on Jan. 11 as part of the Gokongwei group’s booster vaccination program.
“The program will run for several days with 200 employees to be boosted per day.”
Felix Dan S. Lopez, the budget carrier’s vice-president for people department, said the airline has been operating with 100% fully vaccinated active flying crew since October last year.
“As we continue to prioritize the safety of our passengers and crew alike, we are very happy to intensify our efforts amidst this evolving situation,” he added.
On Jan. 11, Cebu Pacific said it was trying to manage the impact of COVID-19 on its work force “with employees who are either sick or under home quarantine.”
“Due to this, flight delays and on-the-spot cancelations remain a possibility given the uncertainty of the situation,” it noted.
NEW ACAP CHAIRMAN
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced that PAL Express President Bonifacio U. Sam has been elected chairman of the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP).
ACAP is composed of PAL, Cebu Pacific, Philippines AirAsia, PAL Express, and Cebgo.
“We are working with members of the aviation industry in discussing with the DoTr (Department of Transportation) and several government authorities ways to sustain vital air transport services for essential travels, repatriation of overseas Filipinos and delivery of urgent goods including lifesaving vaccines,” he said in a statement.
“We are one with the position of the Philippine air transport sector on plans to modify quarantine protocols, based on latest science and in line with international practices, that allow the air sector to maintain these vital services, alleviate any inconvenience for travelers (especially OFWs) and continue to safeguard our personnel and our customers,” he added. — Arjay L. Balinbin
