NAIA running out of professional aerobridge operators

MANILA, Philippines - The Airline Operators Council (AOC) operating at the terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) expressed fears of losing professional aerobridge operators after several of them resigned due to low salary.

AOC said NAIA is running out of professional operators who man the tubes after eight of them resigned to work at the Doha Airport in Qatar and in Dubai, where their starting salary is around P80,000 per month.

Dante Basanta, NAIA Terminal 1 manager, said that the airports only have 24 professional aerobridge operators who are receiving P13,000 per month, including cost of living allowance.

He also noted that aerobridge operators at NAIA are contractual employees, so they cannot be prevented from seeking employment abroad.

“We cannot match the offer of foreign employers  which is six times higher compared to what they actually receive here at NAIA,” Basanta admitted.

He also expressed fear that more aerobridge operators might resign soon, that is why new applicants are being trained for the vacant positions before the airports run out of operators.

The AOC, however, expressed concern over the capabilities of the trainees.

“We are afraid of what might happen to our aircraft if trainees will handle the operations,” the AOC said, citing a recent case when a trainee miscalculated and accidentally bumped a China Airlines plane’s door, causing about $1 million to $3 million in damages.

“Manila International Airport Authority must act now regarding this issue,” the AOC said.