Cebu's 1st seaplane set for test flight tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu's first seaplane airline will have its maiden test flight tomorrow, January 20, in time for the influx of tourists, both domestic and foreign, who are scheduled to visit Cebu City for the Sinulog Festival.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña made the announcement yesterday, three days after he received a letter from Air Juan Aviation Incorporated Marketing Head Paolo Misa.

The operations of Air Juan will commence right after the launching ceremony tomorrow at its floating dock at the South Road Properties, said Osmeña.

Misa said Air Juan will conduct a 10-minute scenic seaplane ride or test flight from its docking site at SRP.

Air Juan, a budget commercial air carrier, will fly to numerous tourist destinations in Cebu, including Malapascua Island, Sumilon Island, and Camotes Island.

Other destinations include Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte; Gigantes Islands in Carles town, Iloilo City; Lakawon Island in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; Panglao and Anda in Bohol.

The fare ranges from P1,000 to P2,000 per person.

The operations will be in full swing within the first quarter of the year.  The regular flight schedules will be announced tomorrow during the press briefing.

It is projected to boost the tourism industry, hasten transportation of people, and help improve the economy not only in Cebu but also the neighboring provinces

"Good. Actually, it's a good projection for Cebu. It's very convenient," Osmeña said, adding that the new services will spur economic development in the countryside.

Osmeña said the city government will make sure that tourists will be enticed to visit Cebu and the rest of the Visayas.

Air Juan will field three seaplanes in its Cebu operations.

As of now, Osmeña said, there is one seaplane ready for this month's operation. It can fit 11 persons, including the pilot and co-pilot.

He added Air Juan is purchasing a bigger two-engine seaplane that can accommodate up to 20 passengers.

Air Juan, the first seaplane operator in the country, has been growing steadily since it started as a charter company in 2012 and added in seaplane operations in 2014.

Now, Air Juan flies to numerous destinations including Subic, Baler in Quezon province, Puerto Galera (Mindoro), Marinduque, Busuanga (Palawan), Caticlan (Aklan), landing directly at resorts like Two Seasons, Huma and Club Paradise, among others.

In fact, Misa said, the demand for Air Juan's services has grown so much that the company recently launched a new hub in Cebu. —KBQ (FREEMAN)