Filipinos are known for being resilient. The pandemic has affected each of us differently and we lost something because of it; work, business, education, opportunities, and loved ones. Because of our resiliency, we still choose to stand up and move forward. Despite the pandemic, AirAsia Philippines is humbled to share as it has been awarded its 12th year as the best low-cost airline in Asia and the COVID-19 Airline Excellence by Skytrax. The World Airline Awards is considered to be the “Oscar Awards” of the airline industry.
Preparation for safe flights
As preparation for opening gates domestically and internationally, AirAsia Philippines’ pilots, cabin crews, and other staff are fully vaccinated. 99% of the flying crew have received their vaccination, and the 1% being the employees who are pregnant and people who are not yet advised to have the vaccination.
AirAsia’s stringent health and safety protocols have earned the airline a perfect 7-star rating for COVID-19 compliance. As per airlineratings.com, it is one of the top 20 COVID-compliant airlines for 2021.
Flying is now also contactless because of self-check-in, QR code boarding passes, pre-booking of meals and add-on, as well as, digital payments. This also includes distributing REDy Care Kits to passengers and free seat selection for vaccinated passengers.
Domestic destinations
AirAsia is preparing for 14 destinations and it will fly in the first quarter of 2022. “We originally planned this [flights], first quarter of 2021. Next year, first quarter, we are going to open. We just had to move [because of] this lockdown which is about twice this year; one in April, and another one in August. We have launched already as planned our Dumaguete and Roxas City” said AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla.
International flights
AirAsia plans to operate international flights by December with Hongkong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and possibly Thailand. These are the countries where our fellow OFWs work and hope that they can come home for the holidays. The airline also said that special promos and discounts for our balikbayans returning to the Philippines for Christmas would be available.
AirAsia Spokesperson Steve Dailisan stated, “Alam niyo naman maraming OFWs sa Hongkong, marami tayong mga kababayan na nasa Singapore, and nasa Taiwan. So, we would want also to serve them by flying in these routes very very soon.”
“As you all know, there are many OFW in Hongkong, Singapore, and in Taiwan as well. So, we would want also to give service to them by flying in these routes very very soon”.
More Benefits for vaccinated citizens
AirAsia CEO Isla also said that they are giving more benefits to vaccinated citizens who will be a tourist in the future. The airline is firm for the implementation of DICT Resbakuna cards in cooperation with DICT’s program. “The moment we have a very good progress for all of our vaccinated citizen to use their DICT cards, please be ready because right now, almost all Philippine airlines companies are in coordination with the recent LGU meetings.” Said Isla, indicating that vaccination cards will be enough in flying in the future.
