100% Passenger Capacity Still Being Assessed by Airlines

The lowering of NCR and 38 other areas to Alert Level 1 is expected to reignite the country’s economy and even prompt an increase in travelers. However, local airlines are still evaluating whether it would be a wise decision to return their flights to full passenger capacity. As such, these carriers will be taking the demand for air travel into significant consideration.

On Monday, Philippine Airlines (PAL) Spokesperson Cielo Villaluna noted that “During this pandemic, we would operate at full capacity if flight booking is 100%.” Villaluna added, however, that “passenger capacity per flight is dependent on demand.” Cebu Pacific took on a similar stance, affirming that they will remain “fluid” on the situation.”

“We cannot say for sure yet, but we will continue to monitor as we do all possible to prepare for the expected increase in demand for air travel,” explained Cebu Pacific. As for Philippines AirAsia, it will adamantly follow the rules of the particular airport of destination. “This is the case with destinations like Bacolod and Iloilo. However, if our destination LGU (local government unit) falls under Alert Level 1, we will implement 100% full capacity.”

Public transportation — including air, sea, and rail — in areas that are already under Alert Level 1 is expected to be at full seating capacity, according to the guidelines released by the inter-agency task force. However, capacity will be limited if passengers of public transport are coming from a higher classification to an area under Alert Level 1.

“The highest standards of safety continue to be observed on each and every flight. Our cabin crew frontliners continue to wear full PPE (personal protective equipment) throughout the journey,” noted PAL with regards to its safety protocols. “The requirement for passengers to wear face masks and face shields in-flight (except during meals) remains in place.”

“Our HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filters cleanse cabin air of bacteria and viruses while disinfection of aircraft surfaces is carried out after every flight. Our flight and cabin crew teams are fully-vaccinated,” added the flag carrier. Meanwhile, Philippines AirAsia is still preparing for this summer which they project will have “stronger travel demand.”

The low-cost airline elaborated that going down to Alert Level 1 will most likely “entice more people to travel, especially that all AirAsia destinations are now accepting vaccination cards for fully inoculated travelers.” Nonetheless, “partially vaccinated guests will also be accepted but subject to LGU travel requirements such as antigen tests,” it added.

In terms of international travel, Cebu Pacific announced that fully vaccinated travelers may now book flights for leisure to Singapore beginning March 3. This follows the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s extension of the vaccinated travel lane for the Philippines, which also entails that travelers will no longer be required to undergo quarantine upon their arrival.

Source: BusinessWorld