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Tag: crew

  • AirAsia readies for Sandbox opening

    AirAsia readies for Sandbox opening

    As the Thai government confirms the country will embark on a reopening phase beginning with a pilot “Sandbox project” in Phuket 1 July, airlines are planning to increase domestic flights.

    In a press statement released Tuesday, AirAsia says it is “set to paint the skies red again in support of the Phuket Tourism Sandbox programme that is also seen as the first step in welcoming international visitors to Thailand.

    Caption 1  Krid Pattanasan

    AirAsia Thailand head of government relations and secretary-general of the Airlines Association of Thailand Krid Pattanasan said: “Domestic travel will be the first to restart with the reopening of Phuket from 1 July 2021. Thai and foreign travellers who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be able to enter Phuket under strict government guidelines.

    “This initiative will soon be extended to other destinations including Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattaya and Hua Hin. AirAsia has been rigorously preparing for this much-awaited programme, and its staff are ready to welcome and facilitate guests, including by getting themselves vaccinated to ensure the safety, wellbeing and peace of mind for all guests.”

    By the end of June, over 80% of AirAsia’s staff will be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The programme started with those who have direct contact with guests such as ground staff, cabin crew and pilots, but it is extending to those working as baggage handlers, technical crew and engineering staff are also ensured to receive the vaccine.

    In preparation to take to the skies again, AirAsia has lined up various attractive promotions to further stimulate travel. These promos will commence as soon as the government provides the green light for mass air travel to kick off.

    Caption 2 Lunchakorn Saengsiri

    Senior Cabin Crew Lunchakorn Saengsiri, as frontline staff in direct contact with guests, said receiving a full vaccination has provided great confidence when interacting with his co-workers, his family and AirAsia guests.

    He noted that despite the low frequency of flights currently, he and his colleagues have been maintaining safety and hygiene standards for every flight.  Close contact with passengers has been reduced to the minimum in accordance with state regulations, while the consumption of food and sale of goods in-flight has been completely restricted.

    Caption 3 Tapachcha Khanpimool

    For Senior Cabin Crew Tapachcha Khanpimool, most people have been adapting to the situation, and she expressed the belief that once vaccinations become widespread, air travel will quickly return especially the much anticipated domestic travel.

    “We are very excited to return to flying and have ensured that we are fully ready by protecting ourselves and staying up to date on the latest information  so that we can provide the best possible service to our guests.”

    Meanwhile, Ramp Agent Noppalit Budrath shared that despite everyone in his department having been fully vaccinated, it is crucial that the highest safety and hygiene measures continue to be observed. He said this is especially true as in the course of his duties delivering aircraft for service and to be present during landing and take-off, he would frequently come into contact with passengers.

    Caption 4 Noppalit Budrath

    AirAsia intends to increase its domestic service by 20 to 30% compared to the same period in 2020 and before the latest COVID-19 wave.

    It will fly Don Mueang-Phuket three times daily and Suvarnabhumi-Phuket once daily every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

  • Rehiring everyone laid off is my priority, says AirAsia boss

    Rehiring everyone laid off is my priority, says AirAsia boss

    One of the first things Tony Fernandes wants to do after the company is back in business is to rehire every staff he had to let go during the Covid-19 crisis, even as he remains confident the airline is set to come out much stronger.

    The AirAsia Group’s CEO said having survived the last 15 months without raising capital unlike many foreign airlines was a testament to the company’s strength, and said the injection of about RM2.5 billion from various sources is imminent.

    “We made Malaysia globally recognized, we have changed travel after what I came up with within the shower, ‘Now everyone can fly’, has become a reality. So we got to win and make sure we don’t fail. Nothing is cast in stone but we are looking good,” he told BFM in an interview in its Breakfast Grille segment yesterday.

    In this context, he said, his No. 1 priority is to rehire everyone that the company has had to let go.

    “They did nothing wrong. They are great people and we are an amazing company because of our people.

    “I have a responsibility to regrow, rehire and reskill. We are doing all those things right now. The fact that we are still alive after 15 months is a testament that we have very good staff at AirAsia.”

    He was responding to a question from his host who asked if with 90% of its 200 planes grounded and with a cash balance of about RM500 million, how long the airline could survive.

    Fernandes said with vaccination being rolled out rapidly in many parts of the world and flying beginning to return to normal slowly especially in the US, he expects things to pick up soon, adding that Airbus is manufacturing more aircraft with its orders increasing.

    “And now we have new capital coming in. We got some good investors and we will be announcing them soon. I have been very consistent in saying that we will be raising about RM2.5 billion.

    “Our Thai counterparts have already raised (additional capital), while we are in the process of doing it in the Philippines and Indonesia,” he said, adding that the papers have been submitted to the regulators and announcements are expected to be made next month.

    Fernandes said some airlines had gone to raise capital at the beginning of the pandemic and had spent it all, and were forced to raise capital again.

    “We have been very frugal on how we have managed our funds. We have been spending all this time restructuring our balance sheets with our creditors. Most important thing is our creditors have been massive supporters of our business.”

    He said AirAsia will survive as there is an end in sight with the company talking to officials throughout Asean, adding that the opening of Phuket for tourists next month and the massive vaccination were signs of better times.

    He said AirAsia Group is no more just an airline with 17 digital ventures that had been set up recently.

    “We are now a holding company for digital and aviation assets. You will see the clarity of what we built very soon. We are going to be profitable here in 12 to 24 months.

    “Are we going to be the biggest in revenue? No. I am not here to lose money, but I am here to make a margin. We will grow consistently and profitability, we will be the most profitable digital company in Southeast Asia,” he said.

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  • AirAsia India Operates 9 Flights With Fully Vaccinated Crew

    AirAsia India Operates 9 Flights With Fully Vaccinated Crew

    According to the airline, the flights were operated on Friday.

    “The sectors flown by fully vaccinated crew included Bengaluru-Kolkata, Kolkata-Bengaluru, Bengaluru-Chennai, Chennai-Guwahati, Guwahati-Bengaluru, Bengaluru-Pune, Pune-Jaipur, Jaipur-Pune and Pune-Bengaluru,” the airline said in a statement.

    “The operating crew members on these sectors are fully vaccinated, having received both doses in line with guidelines from health authorities and after going through all the mandatory tests and certified by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sangeeta Kujur.”

    AirAsia India is a venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Investment.

  • AirAsia awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline & Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew at World Travel Awards 2020

    AirAsia awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline & Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew at World Travel Awards 2020

    AirAsia has been awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the eighth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards (WTA) – one of the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programs commemorating excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality.

    AirAsia emerged top in the category having received the highest votes from travel professionals and industry players from around the region, ahead of regional players such as Scoot, Nok Air, VietJet Air, Jetstar and Firefly to win the top low-cost carrier awards – Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020 and Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2020.

    Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group said, “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020 Award for the eighth consecutive year. Winning the award this year is more important than ever and is of profound sentimental value as the industry is going through the most turbulent times. Our gratitude goes to every one of our over 600 million guests for their continued support and faith in us since day one, and their understanding as we weather through the most difficult period in AirAsia’s history. Most importantly, this award is dedicated to AirAsia’s Allstars (staff), including those who have left us recently through no fault of their own. I thank every Allstar for their commitment, perseverance and dedication  as we navigate our way through this incredibly challenging year.”

    AirAsia Group Head of Cabin Crew Suhaila Hassan said, “This pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, and the journey has been far from easy. Despite the crisis, I can say with confidence that our dedicated crew has risen to the challenge to show their service excellence and hospitality, adapting to the constantly changing rules and regulations. Our focus is to safeguard the wellbeing, health, and safety of each guest. And this award is a testament to our hard work and passion.”

    World Travel Awards Founder Graham E Cooke said, “Despite the unprecedented challenges faced by the aviation industry this year, AirAsia continues to lead the way in low-cost aviation in Asia and beyond. Its strive for excellence remains unrivaled and I am delighted that it has been acknowledged by both the travel trade and the public by being voted ‘Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2020’.”

     Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards, one of the most prestigious and noteworthy awards programs in the global and tourism industry, acknowledges and celebrates excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality. The World Travel Awards brand is globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

    Despite the incredible challenges faced by the aviation industry over the course of 2020, this year’s World Travel Awards program saw record month-on-month voting numbers from the all-important tourism consumers, whilst the official website continues to receive more search traffic than in any previous year. Organizers say, this indicates that the hunger for travel and tourism is as strong as ever, providing encouraging signs to all in the aviation and tourism industries.

  • Cebu Pacific is Recruiting New Cabin Crew

    Cebu Pacific is Recruiting New Cabin Crew

    One of the Philippines fastest growing airlines, Cebu Pacific is currently recruiting new cabin crew in c, Bacolod, Pampanga and Davao.  Cebu Pacific is aiming to fly more than 200 million passengers by 2020 and currently serves 36 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the USA.

    The airline says 2019 will be a year of major expansion as it plans to take delivery of 12 brand new aircraft including Airbus A321neo, five A320s and a regional ATR 72-600.  “2019 is the year we accelerate growth. On average, we will be receiving one brand-new aircraft per month which we can use to increase capacity in key markets or even launch new routes,” explained Lance Gokongwei, the airline’s chief executive.

    Interested candidates will already need to have the right to live and work in the Philippines, as well as the ability to speak and write in both English and Filipino.  Female candidates must be at least 5’3″ tall, while male candidates must a minimum of 5’7″ tall.

    Candidates in Bacolod, Pampanga and Davao can apply via the official Cebu Pacific careers website, while those in Manila can either submit an online application or attend an Open Day.

    Walk-in screenings are taking place every day between Monday and Friday from 9:00am to 11:00am Cebu Pacific Building, along Domestic Road, Pasay City.  Candidates must attend in full business attire and have a copy of their updated resume/CV.

    Cebu Pacific has also made headlines recently after it offered the opportunity for 16 lucky candidates to undergo a “study now, pay later, zero-interest” pilot training program to become fully fledged commercial pilots with guaranteed employment with the airline.

    Here’s how Cebu Pacific describes the opportunity:

    “The Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program is open to all Filipino citizens who are college graduates who are proficient in English. There are no preferred college degrees, and applicants need only have an average grade of at least 70% or its equivalent in subjects related to Math, Physics and English.”

    “The program entails 52 weeks of week integrated flight training, theory and education at Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) in Australia. They will undergo learning modules, train in a flight simulator and then on to an actual aircraft. Successful candidates will receive Diplomas of Aviation for Commercial Pilot License – Aeroplane, Instrument Rating, and for Pilot in Command. They will also undergo an additional four weeks of training to obtain a Pilot’s License under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.”

    “CEB cadet-pilots need not worry about expenses related to the flight training, as the airline will shoulder the costs first—including a stipend, and amortize the payment for the course while they are employed. The entire program will be financed by Cebu Pacific, and successful cadet-pilots who enter the CEB corps of pilots will reimburse the cost of the program through salary deduction over a maximum of ten years at zero-interest.”

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  • Garuda Indonesia reigns as world’s best airline cabin crew for fourth consecutive year

    Garuda Indonesia reigns as world’s best airline cabin crew for fourth consecutive year

    Indonesia’s flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has won the world’s best airline staff award for the fourth year in a row according to a survey conducted by international rating organization Skytrax.

    Garuda Indonesia took first spot in the category at this year’s World Airline Awards, dubbed as the Oscars of the aviation industry, beating other prestigious airlines in the region such as Singapore Airlines and Thai Airlines.

    In the same category, Japan’s largest airline All Nippon Airways came second, followed by Taiwan-based international airline Eva Air and Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines.  The awards were announced at the Paris Air Show yesterday.

    According to Skytrax, the award “recognizes the highest all-around performance of an airline’s cabin staff” as well as the quality of staff members’ techniques and efficiency and their enthusiasm, attitude and overall hospitality.

    The survey was conducted from August 2016 to May 2017, involving 19.8 million votes.

    This year, Garuda Indonesia improved its position in the best airline category, climbing one spot to enter the top ten carriers on the world’s best airline list.

    The world’s best airline award for 2017 went to Qatar Airways, which took the title from fellow Middle Eastern carrier Emirates.

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  • Cebu Pacific looking to hire 300 cabin crew

    Cebu Pacific looking to hire 300 cabin crew

    Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest carrier, said Thursday it would recruit up to 300 new cabin crew as it expands its operations.

    Cebu Pacific will hold recruitment fairs in Manila, Tagbilaran, and Dumaguete this month to grow its workforce of 4,000, the airline said in a statement.

    Applicants should possess a “dynamic personality,” must be at least 5’3″ for women and 5’7″ for men, have clear complexion, a “catchy smile” and “weight that is proportional to height,” the airline said.

    The recruitment fairs will be held at the Cebu Pacific Building, Pasay City on January 14; La Residencia Almar Hotel, Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on January 28; and Metro Centre Hotel and Convention Center, C.P. Garcia Ave., Tagbilaran City, Bohol on January 29.

    Cebu Pacific’s net profit amounted to P7.1 billion in the January to September period of 2016 as passenger volume grew to 14.5 million in the nine-month period in 2016 from 13.7 million in 2015.

    Shares of the airline closed 0.11 percent lower to P92.90 on Thursday.

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