Alec Almazan/MANILA
AIR PHILIPPINES is planning to launch new regional services and expand its domestic network, using five Boeing 737-200s which it will introduce through to the end of the year. Further expansion is envisaged, with the acquisition of widebodied types planned.
The ten-month-old carrier now operates a fleet of three 737-200s and six NAMC YS-11s acquired from Japan Air System, which recently took a 10% stake in the company. The newly acquired 737s, which are former United Airlines machines, are being purchased from Interlease Aviation and will be delivered between September and December. The airline has filed applications to operate the new aircraft to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Kaohsiung in Taiwan, by the end of the year.
Air Philippines will initially use the aircraft to open up new domestic routes from Manila to Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete and Tacloban. It also wants to increase frequencies to Davao, General Santos and Puerto Princesa from daily to twice daily services, says airline assistant vice-president Jane Remandaban.
Source: Flight International
