AirAsia has rolled out its red hot personal protective equipment for frontline cabin crew as it prepares to return to the skies.
The customized PPEs are designed not only to keep both guests and crew safe but also to ensure comfort for the cabin crew, who need to remain mobile throughout the whole flight, the company said.
“It is the responsibility of each one to flatten the curve. I chose to have a PPE material that is approved by the Department of Health to protect our Allstars. At the same time, the PPE is designed to proudly announce that we are AirAsia and we will rise up from this pandemic. I want to boost the morale of our staff when they wear this new uniform," said AirAsia Philippines vice chair and majority stakeholder Sheila Romero.
Designed by Los Angeles-based Filipino designer Puey Quiñones, the red hot PPE is made of breathable yet sturdy material.
“I compared different fabrics that have been approved by the DOH and even had a stress test done. The PPE is comfortable because it is not so thick and heavy yet it serves its purpose. The material gives justice to the design. I like that it’s chic and sporty–similar to what F1 race car drivers wear. This fusion of fashion and safety will define the new standards of flying today,” Romero said.
AirAsia will require its cabin crew to wear the PPEs in all its domestic and international flights. With a safety always policy, all crew members of AirAsia Philippines can now travel while being assured of their health.
AirAsia debuted its new PPEs on April 24 during its special recovery flight from Bangkok to Manila.
Carrying over a hundred Filipinos on board, flight Z2 8286 left Don Mueang International Airport at 12 noon (local time) and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 4:25 p.m.
“We are honored to be able to help more kababayans return safely to the Philippines. Our pilots and cabin crew had risen up to the occasion and served our fellow Filipinos despite the health risks involved. We hope to be able to mount more recovery flights in coordination with local governments and foreign embassies. These are opportunities to serve our country and I am confident that more Allstars will heed the call of service," said AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla.
AirAsia said the safety and wellbeing of its guests and Allstars is its top priority. AirAsia said it is complying with advice and regulations from the local government, civil aviation authorities, global and local health agencies, including the World Health Organization.
AirAsia said it is closely monitoring the situation and reserves the right to announce further policies according to the latest developments.