Undeniably, the global health crisis has caused the largest disruption in education, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries in all continents. Despite the many challenges brought by the new normal in learning systems, we believe education should always remain a priority. At AirAsia, we continue to take learning to greater heights and make sure that we fill in the gaps to eliminate potential threats in the learning curve.

To mark the National Teachers’ Month this September, AirAsia celebrates our Allstar instructors, taking to heart the essential role of promoting excellence, resilience, and innovation while ensuring the safety and well being of our valued guests.

“Planning without action is just a dream, so act on it and make it happen.”

The transition from the classroom to cabin work set-up was never a challenge nor a hindrance for Maiza Tropa in fulfilling her dreams of inspiring people, including her colleagues. Working at the age of 22 as a full-time professor, teaching subjects in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) and Tourism, her passion of imparting knowledge has motivated her to step up her career and join the aviation industry.

Serving as a senior cabin crew for 9 years now, Maiza has also been actively working as an instructor for Safety Emergency Procedures (SEP), Inflight Service Routine and Crew Resource Management (CRM) since 2017.

According to Maiza, the value of adaptability contributed a lot on her flying and teaching journey as she walks the talk and maintains her working integrity. “Working in the airline industry, you have to be patient, flexible and broad-minded. You face different kinds of guests and colleagues, who have different cultures, upbringing and mind set… that requires different approach and understanding”, she said.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Allstar instructors including Maiza adapted to the distance learning format. This allows pilots, cabin crew and other employees to gain access to an enhanced way of blended learning. While most training is done virtually, other classes, such as slide, fire and wet drills, are still held in-person while strictly adhering to established health and safety protocols.

“In inspiring people to dream big, I always share my learnings in life. I am just an average Joe but I worked extra hard to get where I wanted. So if an average Joe can do it, so can you. It's all up here in the mind. Attitude will always play a big part, no matter what you do, big or small.”

Joining AirAsia was a story of fortune or fate for Captain Darren Acorda. He recalls his chance encounter with airasia group CEO Tony Fernandes in one of his flights to London when he was still operating as a pilot for another airline company. During the flight, Tony personally invited him to be part of AirAsia, and the rest, they say, is history.

In 2010, Darren officially joined the Allstar family as one of its competent pilots. Taking bigger leaps and bounds, Darren became the training head for AirAsia Philippines in 2018, where he was entrusted to secure the safety of A320 aircraft, at the same time exercise leadership roles for pilots, cabin crew, dispatchers, ground crew, all who'll undergo training.

Along with the numerous achievements he was able to share with the company, Darren together with the other Allstar instructors, contributed in innovating the pilots’ mode of training. Aside from transitioning to the virtual learning set-up, Captain Darren also sees the importance of limiting the number of participants. This way, instructors can ensure that the trainees are fully engaged in the lessons. Meanwhile, simulator training for pilots is still done face to face while observing maximum safety protocols.

All these years, Capt. Darren has been guided by the principle of leadership by example. He says teaching methods or learning environment may change over time but not their passion to teach--- all these in the name of safer skies for all.

Capt. Darren also equates success with the right attitude.“Their lives will be touched one way or another through effective training...how they'll behave in the workplace and in life".

"The economic downturn of airlines and the present situation is just a test for us...we can always stay agile by working together and being open with the boundless opportunities”, he added.

A teacher doesn’t have to be limited in the confines of a classroom. They can be anywhere in the world sharing their wisdom, passion for learning and valuable lessons that will be useful as we journey through life. For us in AirAsia, they are our modern day heroes -- future proofing the generations to come. Our heartfelt gratitude, Ma'am's and Sirs.

Allstars soar high: adapting to new normal teaching and learning trends