First Wave... You're Cleared To Depart!

Date      : 6 February 2012

Venue   : Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), Sepang

Time      : 2:30AM – 7:30AM

To understand the mechanisms that function internally and are not outwardly visible within the AirAsia organization, NGLers were given a chance to go down to the field and experience the processes by taking part in an activity called “First Wave”. And yes, First Wave started at 3:00AM, so to make sure we got there on time, the Brickfields' Boys went to LCCT early. Too early in fact, at about 10:00PM! Of course we were dumbfounded without knowing what to do at the Terminal, so we tried our best to keep ourselves entertained. For instance, me and Tian walked in to the Red Lounge as AirAsia employees who want to check out the place and what it has to offer :P. Trust me, that place was cool, compared to other parts of LCCT.

The First Wave activity itself primarily focused on all the backend processes and support activities that take place in preparation for AirAsia’s AK flights. Everything that a passenger does not see or not concerned with when flying – activities such as fueling, in-flight catering, maintenance to things which are visible from the moment a passenger walks in to the airport, such as checking-in and baggage handling.

In-flight Operations

First up, we were taken to the in-flight operation’s warehouse just beside AirAsia Academy where NGLers were given a walk through on how food and merchandise is prepared for each AK flight. All carts which are stocked by In Flight Operations must go through 2 security checking – one at the warehouse and the other is at LCC Terminal.

There are 3 main categories of items that In-Flight Operations need to load into an aircraft during the First Wave preparation, namely:

1. Perishables

2. Non-perishables

3. Merchandise

Guest Services and Ramp Handling

NGLers getting ready to rumble!

We went around LCCT to learn more about the Guest Services team (yeap, those beautiful girls who sit behind the check-in counter) to understand what are the things the do before a passenger boards a plane. What was suppose to be a learning session quickly turned to bonding session for some of the gentleman, haha! We wanted to more than the process... we wanted to know them! :D.

And when it came to Ramp Handling, we were astonished to learn how Ramp Handling Agents could actually do the 25 minute turnaround time by doing it all manually! The job was definitely tough and physical, with all my heart, kudos to the Ramp Handling  Team. RESPECT y'all!

Pre-Flight Check and On-Flight Check

Before an aircraft takes-off for a flight, some basic checks are done by the pilot and FAs who will be operating the aircraft. That aside, NGLers had the chance to checkout the aircraft on the apron, which includes the cockpit! Oh yeah! Some of the basic checks include are as below. 

Pilot:

1. Visual inspection of the aircraft.
2. Getting the manifest and Load Sheet from the Guest Services/Ramp Handling on the baggage’s weight.
3. Do the necessary setup for the flight.

FAs:
1. Checking of carts – to make sure merchandise, perishables and non-perishables are replenished accordingly.
2. Checking of aircraft cleanliness and order of the aircraft. 
3. Compare the passengers with the manifest provided.