AirAsia to join Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific in nationwide vaccine distribution

AirAsia Philippines has secured on Monday regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to participate in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to various parts of the country.

AirAsia is aiming to transport vaccines from Manila to Cebu and Davao starting this week, followed by Clark and Zamboanga and other routes including Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, General Santos City, and Puerto Princesa via Airbus A320.

Moreover, the carrier expressed a willingness to mount chartered cargo flights to areas not covered by its existing routes.

The Philippines is expecting the delivery of 1 million doses of CoronaVac, 480,000 doses of Sputnik V, 195,000 doses of Pfizer, and 20,000 doses of Gamaleya vaccines by the end of April, and 13 million doses of Moderna’s vaccine as early as June. The Philippines has received some 3.5 million doses of vaccines as of April 22, 2021.

AirAsia will use Aircraft C02 detectors to ensure the safety of the cabin during deliveries. Cargo and logistics will be handled by their subsidiary, Teleport.

Prior to Monday, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific had been the only carriers transporting vaccines across the country.

SOURCE: ABS CBN