We are now stepping into the very first working days after the lunar new year. How is the operation of the FCD affected amidst the complicated developments of the acute respiratory infection caused by the novel coronavirus (nCoV)?
VNA had experience in response to the impacts of the SARS outbreak in 2003, however, amidst the rapid spread of the epidemic with constant warnings from the competent authorities, I must admit that there will certainly be a considerable influence as well as changes to the normality of work and the flight operation schedule of the whole Group. This epidemic saw the first pathogen appear in China, which is a large market for the civil aviation industry. Mainland China, specifically, is also the largest charter flight market of VNA. Upon the halt in operation of all flights to China on the 1st of February, it triggered enormous disturbances to the flight networks of the whole Group and left a sizeable impact on the flight schedules of each pilot in the FCD.
As the safety and health of colleagues – especially pilots, flight attendants, and frontline units – are immensely important, what are some measures of the FCD to ensure the health of the human resources and safe operation?
To ensure the safety of all of our valuable human resources, the FCD has provided all pilots with medical face masks, gloves, and protective equipment prior to any mission with the cabin crew. This action is especially important for frontline workers like pilots and flight attendants, who are the most exposed to the risk of infection. Also, the cabin crews have listened to the training regarding viral identification procedures, and how to isolate suspected cases, and how to send the report to the ground units for further cooperation. At the same time, the cabin crews had chances to gain knowledge of how to execute self-protection and self-care, how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure sufficient nutrition in their diet, and the necessity of increasing their vitamin intake and washing their hands frequently with sanitizer or disinfectants provided on the aircraft by VNA.
Since the 22nd of January, from the very first days of receiving the epidemic warnings, the FCD in both northern and southern regions has proactively carried out the purchase and distribution of medical face masks and disinfectants to all on-duty cabin crews.
The FCD, since the 1st of February, has required pilots to have their temperature taken before any flight – especially the ones to China. In addition, the FCD has effectively conducted its communications and has provided information and instructions to pilots and staff members regarding infection prevention tips through email, Vportal, and the FDC’s application.
The difficulties, as well as the impacts posed by the virus are huge, as we can see. So how do all staff in the FCD – especially the pilots overcome this tough time?
As this epidemic broke out over the peak season of the Tet holiday – the busiest period of the year – the disturbance and bewilderment in society has been inevitable. As the nCoV spreads rapidly, should the requirements for infection prevention measures not be strictly adhered to, the frontline staff in the aviation industry will be the first and most at risk of infection. Therefore, immediately upon receiving the instructions on the prevention and control of nCoV of the Group, the FCD 919 quickly disseminated vital information, and frequently reminds pilots and employees to raise public awareness of coronavirus prevention and control; requires the pilots to comply with the coordination process and the guidance of competent authorities, and related agencies and branches in the field of acute respiratory infection quarantine and prevention.
When accepting missions during nerve-racking moments, each pilot of FCD 919 relies on some traditional occupational traits, which are self-discipline and the “one-for-all” spirit. Never do the pilots show hesitation. They always stand arm-in-arm with the cabin crews and related units to best serve the passengers – even in a fairly strict working environment, and amidst the global effort in fighting against the epidemic. They relentlessly strive to adhere to the spirit of “all for the flights’ safety.”
The FCD 919 quickly conducts the communication, and frequently reminds pilots and staff of raising public awareness of nCoV infection prevention. (Cre: FCD).
To stand side-by-side with all pilots, do the leaders of the FCD have any policy or incentives?
The FCD’s leadership always considers infection prevention and control as well as the employees’ health during this outbreak as the top priority. All pilots will always uphold the spirit of “take the lead” to stand ready in fulfilling assigned tasks during urgent situations.
For any measure to be taken, it not only depicts the proactiveness of the FCD for infection prevention but also the attention and encouragement to the pilots who have courageously operated the flights amidst the nCoV epidemic. To be specific, following the approval of the FCD’s leadership, the pilots handling charter flights to China (who were exposed to a high risk of infection and had passengers onboard who tested positive for nCoV), would have their flight operation schedule temporarily suspended. In addition, they are required to implement self-quarantine at home, body temperature monitoring, and daily medical checks per the instructions disseminated by the Ministry of Health.
Captain To Ngoc Giang believes that the FCD 919’s pilots will effectively implement the infection prevention measures and maintain their good health, thereby continuing the mission of a national flag carrier’s pilots. (Cre: FCD).
On behalf of the FCD’s leaders, do you have any word of encouragement to your fellow pilots during this time?
I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to all the pilots. I am proud of you all, my talented, courageous, and resilient colleagues. You deserve to be the descendants of the 919’s heroic air transport regiment with the spirit of “Every mission completed, every difficulty defeated.” And, as VNA’ president and CEO Duong Tri Thanh shared, “VNA – with the spirit, love, and dedication of a national flag carrier – is and will be the bridge to carry passengers home and away from the epicenter of the outbreak.”
I believe that the FCD 919’s pilots will effectively implement the infection prevention measures and maintain their good health, thereby continuously fulfilling the mission of a national flag carrier’s pilots, which is to bring safe flights to the country and the people.
I would like my most sincere thanks to be sent to all VNA staff members. Our ability to perform safe and smooth flights over the past few days has been the result of close cooperation of the pilots and all our VNA colleagues on the air transport front. Their job has been no less challenging and stressful. I would like to thank you again for all your hard work.
Le Thi Hang-COMM
