I am here to talk about the new normal in the airline industry and how it can affect us. Before that, let’s reminisce on the old days. What happened before the new normal. Lets do a flashback.
During the old normal the airline industry was thriving. There were a lot of flights. A lot of passengers. There were tourists flying and in out of the country. And we are not just talking about the Filipino passengers, foreigners are very much excited here to see the beauty of the Philippines. I, for one can remember that it was such a rare occurrence to take a flight that wasn’t very full.
Other than that, there are a lot of airlines. We hear about the usual players. Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia. We also recognize , Pan Pacific Air, Royal Air, Air swift, Air juan, Skyjet, and Platinum airways among others. The industry is booming! We were contributing an approximate of 3.4 percent to the country’s GDP. And it was forecasted to have a 171% increase in the next 20 years.
The coronavirus pandemic then arrives
But then the pandemic happened. Everyone is affected. Approximately 1.2 million jobs just to name a few. I can tell you percentages on how income dropped. How millions were lost. How companies were distraught but at the end of the day, It hurts us, It hurts us bad. The tourism and hospitality industry and not just the airline industry suffered great losses.
Airlines were forced to stop flying. Unlike some industries, us cabin crew cannot work from home. We had to fold our wings. And unfortunately for some of our brothers and sisters in the industry, they had to clip their wings permanently.
It is a sad time for the industry. It is a sad time for the world.
But, we will always move forward. So here we are with the new normal. So let me describe it to you, how I, a regular cabin crew sees it.
Recapturing the skies under the new normal in the airline industry
This month, airlines try to recapture the skies once again. We have more flights now compared to almost none before. We have your cargo and passenger flights. And your cabin crew will always be committed to ensure that you depart and arrive in your destination safely and comfortably. It has always been our job to guarantee that. And with the pandemic, we will just add a few more items to check and make sure that you are safe when you leave from point a and arrive in point b. As for the cabin crew, they would be protected as well. Wearing of the PPES, face masks, face shields, gloves and continuous disinfection inside and outside the plane for the passenger’s safety.
For our beloved customers, steps to ensure your safety are taken as well. In the airports alone we have disinfecting tents, sanitizers and non stop thermal checks. Passengers are asked to wear masks and are required to have medical and travel certificates. For those arriving in Manila, We have rapid and swab tests. Passengers will be asked to stay in government certified facilities while waiting for the results. Extra steps but these provide safety for everybody. And though we are donning protective gear, may have a couple of changes with regards to the inflight service and procedures, but we will always still give that brand of hospitality and service that the Filipinos are known for.
The new normal in the airline industry still brings us new hopes
Talking about flights, expect more domestic routes to open. As the situation is being managed, it gives us the opportunity to see more of the Philippines. A chance for us to appreciate and enjoy our world class country, and truly say that it is more fun to be in the Philippines.
But looking at what is happening in the industry, there are a lot of reasons to be afraid. If you read the news, There are big airlines that are filing for bankruptcy. Some are letting go of a lot of their manpower and finding ways to cut down costs. There are a lot of reasons to be scared. Researchers say that it would take at least 2 years for airlines to have at least an opportunity for normalcy. Some say 5. Others say not at all. A lot of reasons to be doubtful and just give up.
I will relate this you – tourism and hospitality students. Im sure that you are feeling doubtful as well. Fear that after you graduate, it would be a difficult time for you. In your mind, that it is already difficult enough to get a job, and this pandemic is not helping. That without even having the opportunity to do something, you may feel that you are already a failure.
And I will say, don’t. Don’t. Instead, be hopeful.
I’d like to believe that this is why we are here. That I, together with a lot of individuals in the industry, are hopeful. We are confident that we will survive this. We are surviving. And we have actually established a new normal. Slowly but surely. Remember I mentioned about airlines filing for bankruptcy, etc. Look at the local airline industry. Unlike those other airlines, we are alive. We are spreading our wings again. Or at least planning to. That amidst this crisis, we are resilient and believe that we will soar higher and farther than before.
So you should too, Look at this as the perfect time to start building. Do not let doubt creep in and always have hope. Be confident that the industry will be okay. That despite everything that gives us fear, we will be courageous and move forward. Be part of this challenging journey with us. That together, we will completely claim the skies once again. And by that time, I do not just expect you to be there as my passengers. I will see you, sitting beside me, as my colleague. So here’s to flying with soon. #AmorSpeaks
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