PAL bares aviation wish list for next administration

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) has drawn up a wish list for the next administration to support the growth of the aviation industry.

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of the PAL Boutique, part of the national carrier’s wish list is for the new leadership to put focus on airport and aviation-related infrastructure.

“We hope there would be better airport and aviation-related infrastructure so we can continue to grow because the ASEAN Open Skies will be implemented and for us to be able to enjoy the benefit of the ASEAN Open Skies, we should have the facilities that we need,” he said.

The ASEAN Open Skies agreement ratified earlier this year, allows designated carriers of ASEAN members to operate unlimited flights between capitals.

With the Ninoy Aquino International Airport congested, Bautista said it is difficult to grow the market.

“We’re taking delivery of more airplanes and if there are no infrastructure and if there are no support infrastructure, our airplanes will just be parked,” he said.

Bautista said PAL would also want the new administration to study the proposal of building a new international airport for Manila.

Apart from looking into a new international airport for Manila, PAL also wants the incoming leadership to make improvements in existing airports like the Clark International Airport.

“Clark, I think the government should develop further. It’s ready but it lacks some infrastructure,” Bautista said.

He said fuelling facilities in Clark need to be improved and more support industries like airline catering, airline ground handling, as well as maintenance and engineering should be made available.

PAL intends to give the wish list to incoming president Rodrigo Duterte.

The carrier which has a three-star rating, is aiming to become a five-star airline in five years.

It currently flies to 43 international and 30 domestic destinations.