PH boutique airline eyes international routes

MANILA, Philippines — Boutique airline Sunlight Air has set its sights on flying passengers overseas to take advantage of the growing demand for air travel.

Ryna Brito-Garcia, CEO of the Clark-based airline, said they were currently studying potential routes to China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, aiming to provide them “two years from now.”

“There are some current discussions. But it is not at least [for] this year. Everything is [still] private,” she told media in Pampanga last week.

In the meantime, the CEO said they were open to working with another airline for potential synergies and “taking … these international travelers to island destinations in the Philippines.”

Sunlight Air currently services routes from Clark International Airport to Siargao, Coron, Caticlan and San Vicente. It is looking at setting up flights to Cebu from Clark as well.

READ: Private flights as popular as ever, says PH boutique airline

The boutique airline currently operates a Cebu route from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

It operates three ATR 72-500 aircraft for now, but intends to buy or lease additional two units in the next two to three years.

Apart from commercial flights, Sunlight Air can also be tapped for private flights to island destinations.

Last week, Sunlight Air held its inaugural flight at the Clark airport after moving its hub to Pampanga from Naia.

According to Noel Manankil, CEO and president of Clark airport operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), the airport has enough terminal capacity to accommodate more passengers but the current global supply chain crunch is seen to slow down aviation operations.