Philippine Air Force and AirAsia officials sign a Memorandum of Agreement to work together and provide support during disasters and humanitarian and medical missions. (Photo courtesy of AirAsia Philippines)
AirAsia pilots and staff may now be tapped for humanitarian missions and services as the airline recently joined the Philippine Air Force as a reserve unit.
“As airline affiliate of PAF Reserve Command, AirAsia pilots and staff may be tapped for humanitarian missions and services, including mounting special humanitarian flights for emergency and disaster management,” the airline said in a statement.
The Philippine Air Force and AirAsia Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday at Villamor Air Base to work together during national crisis and for emergency, rescue, humanitarian and medical missions.
“The dynamic collaboration is another step forward in AirAsia’s commitment to the philosophy that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves,” said AirAsia Philippines CEO Capt. Dexter Comendador in his speech.
It can be recalled that AirAsia recently offered free baggage allowance and in-flight meals to troopers on peace-keeping missions, as a recognition for their sacrifices and heroism during the ongoing crisis in Marawi City.
This gesture stemmed from a viral Facebook post on how AirAsia passengers helped three soldiers bound for Marawi City and and Cotabato with their excess luggage.
Troops usually use a C-130 cargo plane for large deployments, but they also take commercial flights when they travel as individuals or small groups.
Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, Air Force commanding general, thanked AirAsia for its support to the military personnel and for keeping the spirit of Bayanihan.