PAL once again ready for take-off
May we write in reaction to the editorial titled “Turning PAL around.” (Inquirer, 4/17/12)
The general mood within the ranks of Philippine Airlines’ flight attendants is now upbeat following official reports on the entry into PAL of the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) group headed by Ramon Ang.
As PAL flight attendants, we have a direct and personal stake in PAL and whatever happens to the company impacts on our respective lives.
News of much needed capital infusion into PAL to finance its expansion programs, such as re-fleeting of its aircraft, and the promise of establishing synergies with SMC’s group of companies give us much reason to hope and dream of better things to come for our beloved flag carrier.
SMC, like PAL, is an iconic institution for most Filipinos. Their coming together as partners could help not just PAL as a business enterprise. An SMC-PAL brand could fan a nationalistic attitude in the airline market.
The April 17 editorial is right in saying, “The only sticky point that can be seen so far is the precarious labor-management relations that Ang will inherit once he takes over management of the airline.” In this regard, the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (Fasap) would like to extend to the new management its hand toward cooperation and genuine harmonious relations. No doubt, it has been quite challenging for PAL in the recent past, but it cannot be denied that its flight attendants are one of the best assets of the company.
PAL employees are resilient, hardworking and dedicated.
Fasap is eager to render its continued best in-flight service to our riding public, most especially to overseas Filipino workers, balikbayan and tourists. We commit to take good care of our passengers, to whom we are grateful for their loyal patronage of PAL.
We look forward to working hand-in-hand with management toward truly “turning PAL around.” We sincerely believe that PAL can become world-class and can compete with and win against the best airlines in the world.
Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, better watch out. Asia’s First Airline is ready for take-off. PAL will once again be the airline all Filipinos can be proud of.
Mabuhay!
—BOB ANDUIZA, president,
ANDY ORTEGA, vice president, RICKY MONTECILLO,
board secretary,
Flight Attendants and Stewards
Association of the Philippines (Fasap), [email protected]
