Airline, Go mount charity flights

MANILA, Philippines — Local boutique air carrier Skyjet Airlines has coordinated with Malacañang and the office of Sen. Bong Go to mount three charity rescue flights to help locally stranded individuals (LSIs) affected by quarantine and travel restrictions.

The airline used its BAE 146-200 aircraft, helmed by its chief pilot, Capt. John Jatico, and his crew for rescue flights to and from Davao, General Santos City and Iloilo on July 18, 19 and 20, respectively.

SkyJet chairman Wilson Tieng and president Joel Yang worked closely with the Office of the President, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and Go to make the three flights possible.

The airline said the flights were in line with its corporate social responsibility to serve Filipinos and help LSIs reunite with their families at a time when cross-province and inter-island travel is limited.

President Duterte signed into law on Aug. 22, 2019 Republic Act 11410, which granted Magnum Air, operator of SkyJet Airlines, a 25-year franchise to “establish, operate and maintain domestic and international air transport services” in the country.

SkyJet also cited the assistance and cooperation of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard; Philippine National Police; Department of Health; Department of Social Welfare and Development; the PMS Regional Field Units 6, 11, and 12; and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for the success of the project.