2 aerobridge operators feted

MANILA, Philippines - The Airline Operators Council (AOC) operating at the terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yesterday honored two aerobridge operators for their dedication to their work.

Arnold Gansen Geneta and Oliver Dellegas were given recognition and gift certificates worth P4,000 and P2,000, respectively, during a simple ceremony at the AOC lounge.

The two aerobridge operators at NAIA Terminal 1 handled around 120 arriving and departing flights at the height of Tropical Storm Maring last August.

They were hailed as heroes for their remarkable feat.

AOC chairman Florante Isidro Jr. of Qantas Airlines led the awarding ceremony along with other AOC officials.

Isidro said the council agreed to honor Geneta and Dellegas for fulfilling their job beyond expectations.

He said the two reported for duty on Aug. 19 and 20 when several airport employees and airline staff were unable to go to work due to heavy rains and floods.

“I saw them, especially Geneta, running from one gate to another to operate the aerobridge,” Joan Doromal, AOC vice chairman, told The STAR.

The NAIA Terminal 1 has 14 international gates operated by 14 aerobridge operators round the clock.

Aerobridge operators connect the passenger walkway or tube of an airport terminal gate to a plane.

Geneta and Dellegas managed to handle the 14 bridges, considering Terminal 1 has 28 airlines operating from Gate 1 to Gate 16, Doromal said.

Geneta and Dellegas thanked the AOC officials for the simple but meaningful recognition.