Feeling stress is a normal reaction to changes or challenges and individuals respond to stress differently from one to another. While acute stress is short-lived and considered as “positive”, it occurs to help us get through the stressful situation in the best possible way. On the other hand, chronic stress can linger for a long period of time and if left unattended, it can be detrimental to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Acknowledging the importance of the subject, ADSx: Beyond Four Walls brought the topic “How Stress is Killing Us” in its third series which was aired on 5th August 2021. Two experts in the field, Dr. Azlina, an Occupational Health Doctor from Twin Tower Medical Centre and Pn. Nurhema, a Certified Counsellor, took the audience on a deep dive into the surrounding issues related to stress starting from its definition, signs and effects of stress, and the many ways on how to prevent and relieve the stress.
For those who are having trouble managing stress and feel overwhelmed, it is advisable to find someone you feel comfortable to talk to or consult your doctor accordingly. Alternatively, you may also call 24-hour Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 for mental health support.
As another grand celebration in Muslim calendar, Aidiladha revolves around the spirit of sacrifice. In broader context, the lesson learned from the historical account of the celebration’s origin signifies the act of self-sacrifice, in which giving up own interests for the others or for a cause. This act has become more significant than ever today, in view of the current business environment and on a personal level alike.
The rapid change in the business environment has brought upon us various opportunities and challenges. We have seen the formulation of new processes and strategies, acceleration in digital initiatives, and adoption of new technologies to meet the current and future demands. Understandably, it can be a daunting task as we navigate into the unfamiliar zone, adapt to different roles and needs.
Nonetheless, in the spirit of Aidiladha, I sincerely am proud and humbled by AeroDarat staff’s immense sacrifices and unwavering resilience to persevere in carrying out the tasks dutifully, embracing the changes and overcoming challenges. You can take heart in knowing that your sacrifices matter and we are together in this endeavour. May you be rewarded greatly for your deeds.
On another note, as we are still on the high alert due to high cases of Covid-19 infections, please continue to strictly observe the SOP at all times. Gatherings in the office and rest areas have been identified as one of the causes of COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace, hence do not let our guard down and please avoid such activities. Together we can make our workplace COVID-free and safe for all.
From the management of AeroDarat, wishing you “Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha” and may you have a blessed and safe celebration.
The team once again made us proud after being announced as winners of the Best Front Liner Awards 2021 organised by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). The announcement was premiered live on 30 June 2021 and in this edition, more than 100 nominations were received for both individual and group categories.
Having already bagged an award in the recent Anugerah WOW, the heart-warming Makcik Nguyen Story once again caught the jury’s attention and beat the rest to become one of the winners in the Group Category.
The story which was also featured in the PULSEdaily on 8th April 2020 reminisced a unique bond between a stranded Vietnamese senior citizen who was unable to head back home due to border closure and the Command Centre Team, who discovered her predicament. For 16 days, Makcik Nguyen was well taken care of before she finally got on board to fly home. This had eventually left a long-lasting impression on both and saying goodbye was rather bittersweet.
Delivering Malaysian Hospitality is the SOP but going beyond is exceptional. Makcik Nguyen was not being treated like any regular customer but rather someone that they loved and cared for, like their own mother. For that, heartiest congratulations to Command Centre Team for the recognition and to Makcik Nguyen, we hope you are staying well and healthy.
For the full announcement, you may watch the clip below!
With how the world is changing, continuous learning and improvement will surely give us an edge to move forward progressively. Realizing this fact, AeroDarat Services launches the “ADSx: Beyond Four Walls”, a sharing session platform that aims to provide the audience with a new environment of learning by listening to life experience, bittersweet stories and essential skills of people around us. With the tagline of “Beyond Four Walls”, ADSx forms an integral part of AeroDarat transformation initiatives that help to nurture a team of progressive, open, knowledgeable, and skillful team.
24th June 2021 marked a milestone in ADSx where the first series entitled “From the Sky Above to the Ground Ops” was successfully broadcasted with almost 200 “live” audience via Microsoft Webinar. The session was also attended by colleagues across MAG.
Two notable speakers, Ms. Radhiyah and Ms. Umi Khaltom took the stage and kept the audience glued to the screen throughout an hour-long session. As former In-Flight Supervisors (IFS), they started off with reminiscing their early journey as cabin crews and how they progressively climbed the ladder to become the IFS before joining AeroDarat, picking up valuable knowledge and experience along the way.
Centred mostly on hospitality and service excellence, there were many key takeaways from the session ranging from the importance of end-to-end execution of quality service, service irregularity and recovery, leadership as well as a touch on personal appearance in representing the image of the organization, of course, a subject that any former IFS could never be part with.
It was indeed an informative session and the life experience shared was relevant to be applied not only at workplace but in personal life too. It was worth the time spent and the audience already looked forward for the next ADSx session with more interesting topics and speakers.
The aviation industry is one of the industries that is hardest hit by Covid-19 pandemic due to the closure of borders in almost all countries all over the world. When Movement Control Order was announced by the government in March 2020, the abrupt impact had left many aviation industry work force struggling to make ends meet including those in Penang International Airport where many were forced to take unpaid leave or even faced retrenchment.
AeroDarat Services at Penang International Airport (ADS PEN), on the other hand, had its hands full in handling charter and rescue flights for cargo and passengers out of Penang, Malaysia. Only government authorized flights and those evacuating passengers from Malaysia were permitted to operate and ADS PEN was entrusted by the foreign carriers (FOCA) to handle those charter flights.
In adherence to COVID-19 SOPs, various measures were put in place as the safety of passengers and staff was the utmost priority. Firstly, ample space at check-in area was provided to avoid crowding and to adhere to social distancing requirement. The check-in counters were opened earlier than usual i.e. 4 hours prior to departure instead of 2 hours to allocate more time for passengers to check in. Further safety measure was taken by assigning staff to check passengers’ body temperature at the entrance and to guide them at the check in counters.
To ensure the smooth process during check-in, the staff also need to first ensure all passengers have their face masks on, hand sanitizers and all their travel documents and health declaration forms ready as per the mandatory requirement.
We share some of the memorable flights handled by AeroDarat Penang during the pandemic strike in 2020.
Myanmar Airways International flight departed from Penang to Yangon on 19th June 2020 with a total of 136 passengers. All passengers were Myanmar nationals who went back to their hometown on this charter flight.
The airline’s Head of Ground Operations Manager Ms Kyi Kyi in complimenting the AeroDarat expressed her gratitude for seamless and smooth operations. “We can say that this is the best ground handler for our charter flight operations during COVID-19 pandemic period. Really appreciate your teamwork. Hope to see you again”, she added. On 15th August 2020, the team again handled another flight with bigger capacity of 170 passengers.
The team also was entrusted to handle Lucky Air charter flight and Vietnam Air charter flights. Carrying cargo onboard, Lucky Air operated as daily flights from Chengdu, China to Penang, Malaysia from May to June 2020 while Vietnam Air operated from Saigon, Vietnam to Penang, Malaysia from June until October 2020.
Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic during its early days, ADS PEN team managed to weather the storm and continued to provide the services to support those in need.
Heartiest congratulations and well done to all AeroDarat’s Anugerah WOW Award Winners! As the saying goes, “Difficult times often bring out the best in people” and your win is a manifestation of striving for the best regardless of the situation. You have been an inspiration for the rest to follow in your footsteps and the changemakers for a better tomorrow. We are proud of you and we hope everyone will keep up the momentum.
It is an icing on the cake by taking home the Best Video Performance award too. Thank you to the Changemaker ambassadors for the footage contributions from Baggage Office (MLO), Foreign Carrier Department, Golden Lounge, GSE and DOM Stations and last but not least, our in-house “Creative Director cum Producer”, Khairi Ngadiran who assembled the footages into an amazing video.
For the rest of nominations submitted to Anugerah WOW, you did us proud by bringing to light the various achievements in AeroDarat and the extraordinary people we have in the organization. The participation itself was certainly significance and a recognition in its own. And to all AeroDarat staff, nominated or not, you have indeed played an important role for all the achievements, directly and indirectly. You have contributed in your own ways and sincerely performing the duties and serving our customers to your level best. Keep on the magnificent efforts and teamwork.
On 12 May 2021, in the final sprint of the month of Ramadhan, NGO Antarabangsa led by its chairman Datuk Dr. Mustapha Ahmad Marican handed over 60 boxes packed with grocery items to AeroDarat Services. AeroDarat’s Chief Executive Officer, En. Mohd. Nadziruddin Mohd Basri represented the company in the symbolic ceremony held under strict adherence to COVID-19 SOPs.
The boxes were part of the 500 in total, contributed by The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Malaysia and distributed by NGO Antarabangsa to those affected by the pandemic. Speaking in the event, Datuk Dr. Mustapha wished the boxes containing items such as rice, sugar, cooking oil and flour would assist to ease the burden of employees in need. “This is the first engagement that we have with AeroDarat and we hope that we could further expand this type of program in the future”, he said. He also applauded measures taken by the organization to keep the current number of staff despite the challenging times.
En. Mohd Nadziruddin in turn placed on record the company’s appreciation to NGO Antarabangsa in reaching out to handover the boxes to AeroDarat. “We believe this assistance is indeed helpful to the staff who are impacted by the pandemic and hopefully their preparation to celebrate Hari Raya would be more meaningful”, he added.
As Ramadhan draws to an end , may our fasting, prayers and good deeds accepted by Allah and let us pray that we will be given the opportunity to witness a brighter future. Aidilfitri marks the culmination of Ramadhan, where we celebrate the triumph after completing a month-long period of fasting with disciplines and self-reflection. Amidst the pandemic, Muslims around the globe usher in Aidilfitri in various ways keeping in mind the new norms.
To err is human, to forgive, divine. This occasion is the perfect opportunity to hold out our hands to seek and grant forgiveness, to set aside our differences and restore our relationships. As we observe other traditions within the confines of pandemic restrictions, do not let it casts a cloud over this joyous occasion. Let us make the best out of every moment together with our colleagues and families.
To those on duty this festive period, your devoted service is greatly appreciated. To the rest, stay vigilant and safe. On behalf of the management, wishing you “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin”. May you have a joyous and blessed celebration.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh dan Salam Sejahtera,
Dear All,
Labour Day celebration in Malaysia has a history dating back to the 1970s. On 20th May 1972, Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman, the then Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia announced May 1 as Labour Day, a special day to commemorate the contributions of workers to nation building. The first official celebration took place a year later and after more than 40 years, the tradition continues in an ever-changing landscape.
AeroDarat is blessed with dedicated people who are willing to go extra miles and would not miss a beat to ensure a safe, secure and reliable service is delivered to our customers as promised. I am proud to have all of you on and I sincerely thank all of you for your continuous dedication and commitment.
The road ahead is still long and could get bumpy. Nonetheless, the journey can be remarkably rewarding when we get together around the same goal and hold dear to the values of being Genuine, Efficient and Progressive. This commitment is the manifestation of our labour of love that in turn translates into values to those we serve. The ones that make us unique and stand out from the rest.
I wish all of you Happy Labour Day and as always, stay safe and keep well.
In transforming current business processes through digital integration, AeroDarat Services’ cross-functional team comprises of Finance, Hub Control Center/TRC and the respective Operations teams have successfully launched the electronic Aircraft Handling Acknowledgement Note (e-AHAN) application on 15 March 2021.
The project which replaced the manual pen and paper function for AHAN aims to shorten the time taken for billing process from an average of 17 to 26 days down to 10 days only – a staggering 41% to 62% improvement!
How is this even possible? The answer lies on three key drivers introduced by e-AHAN, namely precise recording of services rendered at source, automated service report submission to customers and systematic record keeping for reference. These not only lead to internal process improvement and efficiency but also subsequently enhance customer service by shortening billing process and minimising disputes.
Kickstarted in July 2020, this project comes in four phases. The first rollout is for FOCA customers in which two online briefing sessions were conducted led by Business Development Unit on 8th and 9th March 2021. In the next several phases, this application will be extended to MH flights, MAG subsidiaries and overall ADS services. Congratulations ADS project team for a job well done!
