Global airfreight capacity in Australia has been minimal due to the grounding of most passenger aircraft. Larger businesses have managed to secure arrangements for charters or use of passenger aircraft as cargo flights but many SMEs out there do not have the volume to justify such an outlay.
The Philippines BPO industry nationwide has now hunkered down employing various quarantine measures. By and large, it is continuing to service its clients and provide much needed employment.
Ambassador Steven J Robinson keeps in touch with Australians in the Philippines during this pandemic crisis through regular video messages on the embassy’s website and social media. In a recent video, he assured those stranded by the country’s lockdown that following DFAT’s recent announcement about a special partnership with Qantas and Virgin to bring Australians home, the embassy is engaged with said airlines in determining what’s possible from Manila back to Australia and with Philippine Airlines about flights from regions to Manila.
