The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) reiterated its appeal for government support to member airlines as they prepare to resume commercial flights under “new normal” conditions once travel and quarantine restrictions are eased.
ACAP members—AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, Philippine Airlines, and PAL Express—said they are ready to restart passenger commercial flights, with precautionary measures in place against bio-security risks.
Domestic and international flights have been suspended since the start of the community quarantines. Cargo and sweeper flights are ongoing.
“The aviation industry has always been held to a higher standard for safety and risk management versus other forms of mass transportation, and as such, processes and procedures that uphold the welfare and safety of passengers and personnel have been put in place to prevent the risk of infection from viruses and other contaminants,” ACAP executive director and vice chairman Roberto Lim said in a statement.
Lim said that while details may vary among individual members of ACAP, the “new normal for flights will include minimized contact between passengers and the airline staff, increased utilization of online and digital processes for check-in and boarding, intensified cleaning and disinfection of all aircraft and facilities, among others.”
He pointed out that measures undertaken by ACAP members adhere to safety protocols set by the Department of Health and Department of Transportation, as well as globally accepted standards set by the International Air Transport Association, International Civil Aviation Organization, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and World Health Organization.
On top of changes in processes and procedures to intensify bio-security preventive measures, ACAP-members also use aircraft equipped with either an Environment Control System that continuously infuses fresh air across the cabin, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters that trap viruses, bacteria and other contaminants with 99.99% efficiency—the same technology used in operating rooms of major tertiary hospitals.
In addition, ACAP works with government agencies to implement other measures, including allowing only passengers with confirmed flights to enter the airport as well as temperature checks and mandatory use of face masks for everyone entering the terminal building.
While local airlines are ready to resume flights, ACAP reiterated its appeal for government support to member airlines as the aviation industry has been heavily impacted by travel restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
ACAP has been appealing for assistance under the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA) Bill via long-term credit facility, working capital credit lines, credit guarantee arrangements, and temporary relief from navigational and airport charges.
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“To be clear, we are not asking for a bail-out or dole-out from government. What we are asking for is a hand-up to help airlines recover,” Lim said.
“The liquidity problems faced by the Philippine aviation industry are very similar to the challenges that airlines all over the world are dealing with. Airlines all over the world are already in talks with their respective governments for relief packages and inclusion in stimuli programs, many of which have already been granted,” he explained.
ACAP noted that the broader Philippine aviation industry is composed of airlines as well as catering companies, food-related enterprises, manufacturing firms, manpower agencies, and other allied and support service providers—majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The entire industry generates over 543,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The aviation industry is also intertwined with the travel and tourism industry, as well as with the logistics industry that connects the Philippine archipelago to the rest of the world, ACAP noted. These industries are labor-intensive and key drivers of the economy, encapsulating up to 5.4 million Filipino jobs, it added.
“Air transport has facilitated the growth of the tourism and services industry by providing new and efficient ways of movement for people, goods and business,” Lim said.
“The connectivity established by airlines has boosted inter-island trade and commerce and the businesses of hotels, restaurants, and tourism enterprises—all of which are sectors that provide millions of jobs. The decrease in air transport activity does not only threaten airlines but also the local communities dependent on tourism,” he added.
ACAP noted that its members have continued to support government initiatives, even during the quarantine period, through sweeper flights to ferry stranded passengers and cargo services to expedite delivery of needed goods—including medicines and personal protective equipment across the country.
