This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, many airlines have been forced to ground their planes, leaving thousands of employees without a steady income. In Thailand, one commercial pilot has found an innovative way to earn a living during these challenging times.
Nakarin Inta, a 42-year-old Thai pilot with four years of experience, has turned to food deliveries using his motorbike and the local messenger app, Line Man. With the Thai government imposing lockdown measures in March to curb the spread of the virus, Bangkok's food delivery service apps have seen a surge in popularity.
Inta, who normally earns between KSh 640,000 to KSh 850,000 per month, now hopes to earn at least KSh 90,000 a month through food deliveries. He is not alone in his venture, as more than 50 pilots who worked with him have also turned to other income-generating activities.
"Some airline staff have been on leave without pay. For most of us, the income has been cut off more than 70%. I still have expenses every month so I had to find something on my own," Inta told CNN.
Inta's decision to take on a part-time job as a food delivery man was driven by his desire to support his wife and four-year-old daughter. "I thought, I cannot just sit there and wait for help. I have to fight for my family. I have to do something and I have both hands, I have my motorbike so I found my part-time job. And now I am a food delivery man," he said.
