New Airport for San Vicente

The government will soon start the development of the provincial airport at San Vicente, Palawan, with the aim of opening the province to more commercial flights, spur economic and business activities, and support growth in local tourism.

The San Vicente Airport rehabilitation project covers the construction of a passenger terminal, a fire station building, an elevated 2,500-gallon water tank and a runway extension with slope protection, as well as removal of a hill obstruction, as per the requirements put forward by the Transportation Department.

The development of the airport will be pursued through the public-private partnership program and is expected to be finished by 2016. The Aquino Administration is aligning the national plan for airport development with the overall plan for infrastructure development as well as trade and tourism thrusts of the country.

The projects will have a multiplier effect as more business centers, factories and industries will be established in the areas, creating more jobs and livelihood.

For the first time in many years, the government is allocating more funds for tourism infrastructure, including new international airports, largely due to its intensified tourism campaign. “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” which is proving be a success, gauging from the steady growth in Philippine tourism. The target is 10 million tourists and 30 million domestic travelers over the next four years.


Source:

• http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/developing-airports-in-seven-provinces/

Cebu Pacific Air opens direct flight to Puerto Princesa from Davao

Cebu Pacific Air has opened a direct flight to Puerto Princesa from Davao-Kalibo. The flight costs P1,488 on Cebu Pacific's year-round "lite fare".

The new route is expected to start on August 2 and will operate 4 times a week, flying every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. It will be supported by the airline’s new Airbus 320 planes.

Cebu Pacific now flies to 32 domestic destinations, 54 domestic routes, 19 international destinations, 28 international routes, and operates more than 2,000 flights weekly. The airline flew 12 million passengers in 2011 alone. It also has the largest aircraft fleet in the Philippines today.

As part of its aircraft expansion, Cebu Pacific will soon have new Airbus A321neo (New Engine Option) aircrafts, a first for the Philippines, which the airline will use for its long-haul flights to destinations such as India, China and Australia.

During the media presentation event, Cebu Pacific also flew in Puerto Princesa tourism officer Rebecca Labit and Department of Tourism Western Visayas regional director Helen Catalbas, who also made a presentation about their respective destinations.