Friday, June 08, 2007 No int'l flights in new airport this year: air transpo exec By Jay Dooma Balnig
* Java explains local, international airlines have yet to market international flights from Iloilo before it could officially sell and open for international flights in the new airport
AIR Transportation Office (ATO) regional manager Alan Java said the new Iloilo International Airport based in Santa Barbara-Cabatuan area might only open to international flights by next year.
Though according to Third District Representative Arthur Defensor, the airport, which is scheduled for inauguration on June 13 would officially open on June 14, Java asserted that international flights might only be available next year.
Java explained that local and international airline companies are yet to market the international flights from Iloilo before it could officially sell and open for international flights in the new airport.
Commercial flights however, are certain to land in the new airport as Java sent a Notice to all Airmen (Nota) that commercial and all other flight be made in Cabatuan effective June 14.
Arroyo will inaugurate the said P6 billion-facility on June 13.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has yet to decide on the petition of the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (Atop) to append a flat rate of P150.00 to the taxi's
flag down fare from Iloilo City to the new airport and vise versa.
While the said petition is still pending, new public utility jeepney en route Oton terminal to Molo to Diversion Road to Pavia to new airport is now open for franchise, according to LTFRB Director Proferio Clavel.
Java added that the Santa Barbara local government unit has already approved a PUJ route from Santa Barbara town plaza to the new airport as an alternative transportation aside from taking a taxi.
