THE Senate has approved on third and final reading the bill granting a 25-year air transport franchise to Magnum Air, Inc., which operates SkyJet Airlines.
With 17 affirmative votes and zero negative, the chamber on Monday approved House Bill No. 6317, which will allow Magnum Air (SkyJet), Inc. to “establish, operate and maintain domestic and international air transport services.”
The boutique airline has been providing transportation services in the country since 2012. It currently offers direct flights from Manila to Camiguin, Batanes and Coron, among others.
The bill specified the franchise include maintenance and operation of hangars and aircraft services stations as well as other facilities.
Magnum Air still needs to get required certificates, permits and licenses from the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
If enacted, the airline will also be mandated to “maintain scheduled and/or nonscheduled and/or Chartered air transport services to any and all points and places throughout the Philippines and between the Philippines and other countries.”
Moreover, it shall require Magnum Air to offer at least 30% of its outstanding capital stock to Filipinos, in compliance with the constitutional provision, promoting public participation in public utilities. — C.A.Tadalan
