In response to a viral Facebook post, the CEO of Air Asia announced on Wednesday that it will extend free baggage allowance up to 40 kilograms for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel.
Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Rakel Pidor Ross posted a photo on Facebook showing passengers offering to carry the excess luggage of Marawi and Cotabato-bound soldiers.
Passengers of Air Asia Flight Z2615 helped three soldiers who exceeded the luggage weight limit by splitting the items in their own bags. The soldiers’ luggage were heavy because of their uniforms and other military paraphernalia.
“Other passengers cheered the soldiers…and joked around to help them lessen their anxiety, and the ground desk staff allowed us to carry the things of the soldiers. So, everyone did their part,” Ross said in an interview.
Ross also shared how she promised to let the AirAsia management know about the incident involving the soldiers who are “risking their lives for our security, our peace, our freedom.”
“I posted the open letter originally to AirAsia’s page. Hoping that our sentiments will be heard by the AirAsia management. I didn’t expect that it will go viral,” CNN Philippines quoted Ross as saying.
AirAsia Philippines responded to her letter and will not only increase the free baggage allowance but also offer free in-flight meals and snacks in any flight for soldiers in a peacekeeping mission, Chief Executive Officer Capt. Dexter Comendador announced.
“We recognize the incredible sacrifices of our military heroes and the Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos. The incident has inspired many including us,” the AirAsia statement read.
AFP Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año thanked the passengers and Air Asia for extending help to the troops and appreciating their efforts in achieving peace in war-torn Marawi.
“Sana hindi po kayo magsawa sa panalangin para sa ating kawal at para sa kapayapaan para sa ating inang bayan. Harinawa tularan rin ng karamihan ang ginawa ng mga kababayan natin at ng AirAsia,” Año said in a statement.
Credit: CNN Philippines
