Air Philippine Takes to the Skies

The Business Daily

Tuesday September 22, 1998

THE AIR Transportation Office yesterday lifted its suspension order on Air Philippines, allowing the carrier to resume operations as early as 10 a.m. yesterday, APC president Augustus Paiso told the People's Journal.

"We are happy to inform the riding public that Air Philippines is resuming its operations after the Air Transportation Office's audit team determined that the company's operations is now in the partial compliance stage," Paiso said.

Some 14 flights of the Air Philippines were allowed to fly in several destinations, including Manila, Davao, Manila-Cebu, Manila-Zamboanga, and General Santos City, Paiso said in a statement.

The lifting of suspension greenlights 14 flights of Air Philippines McDonnel Dougtas 88S and Boeing 747 aircraft.

Air Philippines is scheduled to fly internationally to Japan, Taipei, Seoul, US, and Hong Kong.

They also launched additional domestic flights, including Iloilo, Bacolod, Cotabato, Legaspi, Bicol, San Jose, Kalibo, Aklan, and Puerto Princesa.

Air Philippines, the second largest in the country currently has 14 aircraft — two MD-82s, eight Boeing-737s, and four YS-11s.

For this year's expansion plans, APC has ordered three MD-82s and four Boeing 747s, in preparation for its international operations to Japan, Taipei, Seoul, USA, and Hong Kong.

At present, Air Philippines has 21 flights daily to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Colabato, Legaspi, San Jose, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Gen. Santos and other areas.

The Air Transpiration Office conducted a reevaluation of Air Philippines' safety procedures and decided that two of its aircraft can already be allowed to fly.

"Air Philippines is hopeful that with the company's compliance with some technical and manual requirements, the other aircraft will be given the green light to fly within 24 hours," Paco said.

The ATO is conducting a Safety Assessment Audit on all local airlines. The operations of Grandair and Asian Spirit were suspended by the ATO for more than two weeks following their audit.

After Air Philippines, SAA will be conducted on Cebu Pacific and PAL. JESS ANTIPORDA/CCHING