As anti-epidemic regulations and entry restrictions have been gradually eased around the world, the aviation industry in various regions has recently been actively recruiting more manpower to meet the rebounding tourism demand. Although the Hong Kong government once relaxed the entry quarantine arrangements for people arriving from overseas and Taiwan in the middle of last month, hoping to increase the willingness of international visitors to enter or transfer flights, there has been no explosive growth in the number of arrivals. According to statistics from the Immigration Department, only 173,000 people arrived at Hong Kong International Airport in August.
“0+7” quarantine arrangement has not yet been finalized
Chief Executive Li Jiachao met with reporters before attending the executive meeting today (6th) and was asked if the number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong exceeded 10,000 in a single day in recent days, whether the “0+7” quarantine arrangement would be shelved, that is, 0-day hotel isolation, 7 days Home isolation. Li Jiachao said that the epidemic prevention policy is determined according to the actual situation and data. The SAR government has five principles for epidemic prevention, including not lying flat and controlling the number of confirmed cases; reducing severe illness and death; protecting high-risk people; identifying the risks of different people in an accurate way and balancing Epidemic risk and economic needs. Li Jiachao emphasized that under the five principles of epidemic prevention, any possible measures that can balance social activities and economic development will be considered.
Relaxation of anti-epidemic regulations and border restrictions will help the industry recover
The Singapore government lifted most of the epidemic prevention regulations at the end of August and relaxed entry restrictions, including those who have not completed the vaccination can enter (provide a negative test certificate within two days before departure, no need to apply for an entry permit in advance), the local aviation industry needs to increase. Hire a large number of manpower to meet the rebound in inbound demand.
Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran said last week that the number of Singapore Airlines flights next month is expected to reach 80% before the epidemic, and Changi Airport will need to hire 3,500 to 4,000 more staff to cope with the airport’s staffing level. 95% before the epidemic. It is understood that in the first half of this year, Changi Airport’s staff has increased from 25,000 to 29,000.
In addition, Singapore’s “The Straits Times” reported on Monday (5th) that Singapore Airlines announced in February this year that it would resume recruitment following a two-year suspension. So far, it has successfully recruited regarding 1,200 people, and there are still more than 800 people left to recruit 2,000 people. , the company hopes to reach the target by the end of the year. Star is also reportedly considering recruiting outside of Singapore and Malaysia.
Hong Kong’s aviation hub status may not be guaranteed
According to data released earlier by consultancy “Sobie Aviation”, Singapore’s Changi Airport (Changi) will be the busiest airport in Asia-Pacific in 2022. During the second quarter (April to June), a total of 7.3 million passengers entered and departed, leading the way. India’s New Delhi Airport in second place with 3.2 million passengers.
As for the long-standing top-ranked Hong Kong Airport, it only recorded 591,000 passengers, dropping out of the top ten. The results are terrible. According to statistics from the Immigration Department, only 173,000 people arrived at Hong Kong International Airport in August.
Source: Comprehensive report
Text by FORTUNE INSIGHT
