"3 airlines keen to fly to Philippines airport"

Friday, January 28, 2005

3 airlines keen to fly to Clark airport
Philippines - BusinessWorld


Three foreign airlines have expressed interest to fly to the Philippines via
the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark Field, Pampanga.

Transport Sec. Leandro R. Mendoza said the interested airlines include
Malaysia-based Air Asia, which is currently running chartered operations at
the Subic Bay International Airport. He did not disclose the names of the
two other airlines who are also expected to start operations this year.

"Three airlines from three countries already applied. These are all Asian
airlines," Mr. Mendoza said.

He earlier said the government has offered landing rights to other countries
at the former US airbase.

The airport has a 3.2-kilometer runway, which is longer than the 2.2-
kilometer runway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

However, the new airport still needs to be upgraded before it can be fully
used.

The facility would eat up another P2.5 billion, as it needs passenger
terminal tubes and cargo and logistics infrastructure.

Mr. Mendoza earlier said airlines are still hesitant to land at the Clark
airport due to lack of facilities and alternative transportation modes to
Metro Manila.

He said, however, that the interest from the three airlines is a good
indication for the airport, which is seen as an alternative to the congested
NAIA.

"Their interest is encouraging. Right now only Asiana Airlines is operating
in Clark," Mr. Mendoza said.

He said the completion of the rehabilitation of the North Luzon Expressway
in February and the Northrail, which should be operational in two to three
years, would provide the transport systems needed to boost activity between
Manila and Clark.


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