Sunlight Air going big, eyes jetliner purchase

MANILA, Philippines — Boutique carrier Sunlight Air is planning to enter the jetliner segment within the next three years, as it is now assessing the country’s travel market before making the leap.

Sunlight, the challenger airline of Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines in island destinations, is looking at the feasibility of buying its first jet before 2028, its CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia said.

“We are looking at a three-year timeline for that [plan to acquire a jet] though, but we are already studying our options,” Brito-Garcia told The STAR.

Based on Airbus’ listed prices as of 2018, an A320 costs as much as $101 million while the more fuel-efficient A320neo goes up to $110.6 million. Airbus is the most popular aircraft brand in the Philippines right now, making up most of the fleet of leading carriers.

Despite the required substantial investments, climbing to the jet segment could prove fruitful for Sunlight as it maneuvers to become a bigger player in air travel. A jetliner will scale up the capacity of a small-scale carrier like Sunlight, allowing it to ferry more passengers per flight.

In an earlier interview with reporters, Brito-Garcia underscored the efficiency of having a jet in the fleet, as it gives the airline the option to expand capacity in high-traffic destinations.

For instance, an A320 can carry a minimum of 150 people, but an ATR 72-500 – which Sunlight owns three right now – can only transport 70.

Apart from this, the slot regulator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is pushing turboprops out of the gateway right now, with the deadline for full withdrawal set in 2026.

Similar to other airlines, Sunlight is forced to locate all of its hubs in secondary airports in Clark and Cebu in compliance with the policy in NAIA. The gateway is taking out all turboprops so it can scale up operational efficiency by dedicating its single runway for jets only.

Sunlight can return to NAIA in the future if it upgrades to a jet. Considering this, Brito-Garcia sees the urgency of equipping Sunlight with a jet.

For now, Sunlight is close to landing its 72-600, which can seat more passengers compared to its current fleet of turboprops.

Brito-Garcia said the 72-600 would be stationed either in Clark or Cebu, and it will be assigned to reach existing and future destinations.

“The 72-600’s base will be in Clark or Cebu, flying to our current network plus additional routes next year,” Brito-Garcia said.

Currently, Sunlight manages a fleet of three 72-500s, the generation of turboprop before 72-600. The 72-500 can carry around 70 passengers, while the 72-600 can ferry as many as 78.

ATR presents the 72-600 as the most fuel-efficient aircraft for regional flights. The 72-600 is also 45-percent cheaper to fly than competitors, incurring savings of up to $2 million yearly.

According to data from the Civil Aeronautics Board, Sunlight flew 96,728 passengers in the first half, already making up 69 percent of last year’s total of 134,627.

With a new aircraft, Sunlight is resuming Manila to Busuanga flights by Oct. 26 until Dec.15, and is launching Clark-Caticlan services on a four times weekly basis.

To date, Sunlight operates bases in Manila, Cebu and Clark to reach popular island destinations like Busuanga, Caticlan and Siargao.