Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) said it will build mobile lightning shelters at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to ensure passenger and airport ground personnel safety in case Red Lightning Alerts (RLAs) are advised.
In partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the airline will install five units of lightning shelters to be completed by the end of this month. Two of those units are located at Terminal 3's remote parking bay and another unit at Ramp 2.
RLAs, issued by local airport authorities, force aircraft operators to halt operations and plane movements at the airport due to expected thunderstorms "five kilometers and below from the aerodrome."
CEB said the placement of these shelters are strategic since ramp workers can easily access their aircraft after the RLAs are cleared.
“Consistently ensuring safety and expressing care for our stakeholders has always been Cebu Pacific’s top priority. Our lightning shelters and wireless headsets don’t only mitigate the impact of lightning alerts on our operations, but they also help safeguard the welfare of NAIA ground personnel during the monsoon season,” said CEB Vice President for Customer Service Operations Lei Apostol.
“This will ultimately allow us to recover from flight delays and cancellations at a much faster rate, ensuring least disruptions to our passengers affected by Red Lightning Alerts,” she added.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines said the "initiatives are aligned with our objective to promote ramp safety at all times."