“Not all heroes wear capes.” This pandemic has indeed brought out the worst and the best in every one of us. In the middle of the danger posed by the covid-19 threat, some continue to defy fear to serve others. These are our modern-day heroes, the frontliners. When we think of frontliners, the first people that come into mind are our health workers. We indeed couldn’t agree more. They are the ones at the forefront fighting this very dangerous virus to save the lives of others. Just like our health workers, others continue to serve the nation. They are our forgotten heroes, and one of them is our people in aviation.
Aviation has played a vital role In today’s battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite it being less prioritized by the Philippine government and many not recognizing their contribution to society, the situation may have been worse without aviation. Thanks to the dedication of the people working hard and braving the danger of the covid-19 threat, aviation continues to cushion the blow of this crisis on the country.
The people in aviation, an important backbone
We are talking about our pilots, cabin crew, ground crew, aircraft mechanics, aircraft engineers, ramp workers, cargo loaders, air traffic controllers, aviation security personnel, aircraft cleaners, and all the rest who continue to ensure that everyone gets to fly safely.
Pilots fly those airplanes from point A to B safely making sure that the flight arrives in one piece. Flight attendants make sure all passengers inside the cabin are safe and comfortable for the duration of the flight. In case of any emergency, flight attendants are ready to evacuate all passengers within 90 seconds, being the last to leave the aircraft.
The ground crew ensures that all passengers get to board the aircraft and assist them while inside the airport from checking in to boarding. Aircraft mechanics and engineers ensure that all the aircraft are safe to fly and are airworthy given all the conditions. Air traffic controllers are the pilots on the ground, they direct all aircraft safely ensuring no mid-air collision happens and pilots get to depart and land safely.
Each person in the aviation industry plays a major role in making sure every passenger and cargo arrive at their destinations safely. All-in-all the role of each person contributes to the fact that flying is one of the safest modes of travel.
The importance of aviation to the country
Aside from uniting families and bringing people to new places they have never been to before, the airline industry has played a huge role in driving the economy and effectively fight the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Because of aviation, we are now able to transport much-needed vaccines around the country in the fastest manner. Health workers are flown to different islands in our archipelago to cure those suffering from covid-19 and other diseases. Many people particularly our OFWs were flown home to be united with their families, thanks to the local aviation industry. Essential cargo like medical equipment from Manila to the provinces for health workers to get much-needed equipment support. Sick patients from provinces are flown to major hospitals in Manila and other parts of the country via “Medivac” flights. Last but not least, let’s not forget all the cargo like food and items that ensure the movement of economic activity.
Amidst the pandemic, our people in aviation continue to brave the virus to help serve the country and the countrymen via aviation. While others forget to recognize these modern-day heroes of the sky, we shall never forget them.
Indeed, not all heroes wear capes, some wear wings.
We would like to recognize all our modern-day heroes, our health workers, nurses, doctors, law enforcers, people in the transportation sector, people in aviation, tellers, grocery cashiers, baggers, delivery riders, and all who continue to work to serve the Filipinos in the middle of the pandemic. Our salute to you all!
