Waking up and surfing Facebook at the weekend, I see hundreds of status sharing people’s concerns for the acute respiratory infection caused by the novel coronavirus. They share updated information about how to prevent the spread of the disease, such as avoiding crowded places, wearing face masks, and washing hands regularly. Somewhere I still notice plenty of statuses posted by my old colleagues at Noi Bai Airport. They are entering the final peak period of the Lunar New Year amid the threat of the epidemic.

Staff members at Noi Bai Operation Center are fully equipped to prevent the coronavirus (Cre: Huong Loan)

I used to work here and experience the difficulty, hardship, and intense working hours in those peak days with cramped terminals and passengers flooding in from various places. Taking quick bites of cakes and drinks from carton milk, we overcame those hard days together. Despite the fatigue and hardship, we still felt happy when seeing the flights punctually and safely take-off and the satisfied smiles on our passengers’ faces.

However, during these days, the smiles of the staff members cannot be seen because of their face masks, but their friendliness, confidence, and willingness to serve passengers shining in their eyes can still be felt. They have overcome the fear of the disease to serve passengers in the best manner, to ensure the safety and punctuality of each flight, and to maintain the quality of service.

“After a storm comes a calm,” “Fighting amid the storm with teammates,” etc., are what staff members say to encourage each other. Moreover, they share alcohol wipes after each flight and take photos after each shift to inspire the determination and optimism in colleagues responsible for the next shifts.

“After a storm comes a calm,” “Fighting amid the storm with my teammates,” etc., are what staff members say to encourage each other (Cre: Facebook screenshots).

Although your faces are hidden by the face masks, I believe that behind them, is still the smile and happiness to serve passengers. I know this because that smile and devotion are deeply ingrained in the mind of each member of the frontline team, right?

Much love to my colleagues! Let’s overcome this challenge together and build a strong Vietnam Airlines, staying true to our slogan, “Be Proud – Reach Further.”

Thai Thi Huong Loan – COMM