American Airlines flight attendant dies of coronavirus, elevating fears
in the industry
Paul Frishkorn, a Philadelphia-based American Airlines
flight attendant and union representative, died Monday from coronavirus, the
airline confirmed Thursday.
"Earlier this week, we lost a respected,
longtime member of the American Airlines family, who tested positive for
COVID-19," a statement from American Airlines released Thursday read. "Our
hearts go out to Paul's loved ones, many of whom work for American."
Lori
Bassani, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which
represents 27,000 flight attendants at American Airlines, said in a statement,
"It is with deep sadness we report that one of our own ... has passed away from
Covid-19,"
Frishkorn, 65, was described as a tireless advocate for the
flight attendant corps who was spending time in the Philadelphia crew room
"answering questions and assisting our members through this difficult time"
before he fell ill.
"Paul is the first of our colleagues to lose his life
as a result of this deadly virus. We are deeply saddened and are reminded that
no precaution is too much to take during this horrible time," the statement from
Bassani said.
Coronavirus precautions: Southwest, Delta, American
Airlines reduce food, drink services
Speaking by phone to USA TODAY,
Bassani said that Frishkorn's death has increased the already deep concern for
flight attendants working amid the highly contagious virus.
"When this
hits one of your own, it sheds a whole new light on the coronavirus," said
Bassani. "This does spread more fear among our ranks. This is a killer virus,
unlike any we have experienced."
Frishkorn was honored as one of
American's Flight Service Champions twice for his dealings with customers. Tracy
Sear, a flight attendant for American Airlines, told CNN that he was a
larger-than-life presence who enjoyed figure skating and loved to
laugh.
American Airlines announced Tuesday it is implementing new safety
measures that begin Friday and last through April 3. The airlines will offer
"limited" food and beverage options to further provide for social distancing and
minimal contact between flight attendants and customers,"
Passengers can
also now switch up their seating arrangements to aid with social distancing and
the airlines will "block" all seats adjacent to flight attendant jump seats. For
flights less than four and a half hours, no meals or snacks will be served.
Beverages will be available "upon request."
Longer flights will do away
with snacks but serve drinks as usual and provide regular meals to passengers in
the main cabin. First-class passengers will be given their meals on "one tray
versus in courses."
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