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Philippine ATR 72-500 startup Sunlight Express Airways has received its air operator’s certificate (AOC) and will begin charter flights to several resort destinations.
The CEO of Sunlight Express, Ryna Brito, says in an email to
Smart Aviation APAC that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has granted the airline its air operator certificate as a charter operator.
Clark, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Siargao, Bohol, and Coron will be Sunlight Express’ first destinations, she says, adding that it has begun selling travel packages and air tickets for the 24-27 December period.
The airline’s fleet comprises of three ATR 72-500 turboprops, that it owns, and it has line maintenance capabilities too, Brito says.
Sunlight Express Airways, a new charter airline in the Philippines backed by a local hotel and resort company, aims to begin operations with three ATR 72-500s around Christmas.
CEO Ryna Brito tells
Smart Aviation APAC that the airline is working to receive its air operator certificate before Christmas, so it can launch operations around the festive season.
Brito says there is pent-up local demand for leisure travel and many Filipinos have, what she describes as, “COVID fatigue” following extended lockdowns. But capturing this demand requires convincing the Manila upper-middle class that travelling can be safe, especially on charter flights to island resorts where social distancing can be practiced, she adds.