THE CIVIL AVIATION Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) resumed commercial operations at the Antique Airport on Sunday, starting with the inaugural flight from Clark International Airport by Philippine Airlines (PAL).
In a statement yesterday, CAAP said the airport was upgraded by building a canopy for arriving passengers; extending the runway to 1.4 kilometers; repainting markers along the runways, ramp and stop-way; and cutting trees that used to block the flight path to the airport.
Aside from these developments, CAAP said it will further improve the gateway with the construction of passenger terminal building, administrative building, powerhouse, vertical path angle, staff house, perimeter and security fence, and new apron and taxiway.
“Situated at the province’s capital of San Jose de Buenavista, Antique Airport, also known as Evelio Javier Airport, is a principal class 2 airport and the only airport serving the province of Antique,” it said.
PAL said in a separate statement it will mount twice weekly flights from Clark to Antique every Tuesday and Sunday, which will leave Pampanga at 6 a.m. and arrive San Jose de Buenavista at 7:20 a.m. Return flights will then depart from San Jose de Buenavista at 7:40 a.m. and arrive at 9 a.m.
The flag carrier said it will use its brand new Bombardier Next Generation Q400 aircraft for the route.
“This new route empowers Antiqueños to fly straight to the heart of Central Luzon. More convenient air access helps keep the economy humming in Antique,” PAL Corporate Communications Vice-President Jose E. L. Perez de Tagle said in the statement.
PAL noted its new route to Antique is now its 20th destination coming from the Clark International Airport. — Denise A. Valdez
