AirAsia mounts more recovery flights

PHILIPPINES AirAsia, Inc. on Monday mounted 16 recovery flights for those who have been affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.

The low-cost carrier said in an advisory that there were eight recovery flights from Manila to Davao, Zamboanga, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro on Monday for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

It mounted another eight recovery flights on the same day to Manila from Davao, Zamboanga, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro.

The recovery flights were arranged by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

From March 16 to May 23, Philippines AirAsia had mounted a total of 26 domestic recovery flights and international recovery flights to and from the Philippines, which were arranged by various government agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism, and Philippine embassies.

“More special recovery flights are being arranged as required,” the airline said.

“AirAsia is complying with advice and regulations from the local government, civil aviation authorities, global and local health agencies, including the World Health Organization,” it added.

Also on Monday, the carrier outlined the enhancements it made in its contactless check-in procedures.

“To initiate a contactless transaction at kiosks, guests are advised to check-in first on the AirAsia.com website or mobile app. The generated QR code on their mobile device or printed document after checking-in may then be scanned at the kiosk, which will always be on ‘active mode’ to read QR codes,” it said.

Passengers may also self check-in on the official website of AirAsia and its mobile app 14 days up to one hour before the scheduled departure time.

“AirAsia’s mobile app will also see an enhancement soon where guests can scan their passports via the app itself, facilitating a more streamlined user experience and a seamless and contactless self check-in process,” it said.

The airline said further that there are plans to include a travel-visa scanning feature in its mobile app.

Philippines AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Ricardo P. Isla was quoted as saying: “We look forward to flying with our guests as soon as circumstances allow it. With the hope that the global community is on its way to recovery, we continue to put in place measures that will safeguard the health and wellbeing of our passengers and crew. One way AirAsia is doing this is by maximizing the power of technology in line with our vision of becoming a fully digital company.” — Arjay L. Balinbin