AIRSWIFT TRANSPORT, Inc., an Ayala-owned boutique airline, is expanding its routes to and from El Nido, Palawan with the launch of flights from Puerto Princesa, Davao City, and Tagbilaran City.

Rolando V. Nuñez, Air Swift commercial head, said in an interview in Davao City on Jan. 31 that first to be launched on March 15 is the services to and from Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan.

Puerto Princesa’s upgraded international airport was launched in May last year and the Department of Tourism announced earlier this week that several direct charter flights from China are set to be launched this month.

The El Nido-Davao flights, meanwhile, will start May 22 with a thrice-a-week schedule using the ATR42600 series.

“We have discussed with the travel agents that we have appointed so far and they are very bullish about it, and we also feel there is such market for El Nido because a number of these Davaoeños fly to Manila just to get to El Nido,” Mr. Nuñez said.

In terms of passenger load, Mr. Nuñez said they are targeting an initial 60% rate with the 48-seater aircraft, and move up to 70% by yearend.

The El Nido route to Tagbilaran, Bohol is planned for launching by April.

“We are still trying to fix some issues like fueling, but definitely within the month of April this year,” Mr. Nunez said.

Busuanga-El Nido flights are also planned, with logistics being finalized.

“But defintely if things are already clear, we will operate in June,” Mr. Nuñez said.

AirSwift currently flies between El Nido and Manila, Cebu, Caticlan, and Clark.

It also has services between Manila and Batanes. — Maya M. Padillo

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