Philippine Air Asia averts suspension of operations

Philippine Air Asia (PAA) averted a shutdown in its operations during the peak holiday travel season by agreeing to settle its P1.14-billion obligation with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio told the Inquirer on Friday that the budget carrier was able to settle portion of its obligations, mainly air navigation charges and concession fees, before the 12 noon deadline today and had agreed to settle the rest later.

In a letter dated Dec. 15 and signed by CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo, CAAP ordered AirAsia to settle its  liabilities.

If unpaid, the regulator said its recourse was to “disallow PAA’s operations in all CAAP-owned facilities starting PAA’s operations at Puerto Princesa.”