Sky Pasada suspends all air operations
BAGUIO's only airline has temporarily suspended operations in all its routes while it corrects safety issues of its aircrafts as ordered by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
In an official statement sent by Sky Pasada president and chief executive officer Capt. Ramon Guico III, in accordance with the directive of CAAP for the improvement and safety specifications of the aircraft LET-410, Sky Pasada will temporarily suspend its operations for all its routes immediately.
"We deeply apologize to the flying public for the inconvenience," Guico said.
He added the fleet is currently composed of two UVP-LET 410 aircrafts, "which are the best aircrafts serving our routes such as Palanan and Maconacon in Isabela because of its short take-off and landing (STOL) feature."
"The people of these coastal towns depend on us to transport their goods to the cities which is why it is with deep regret that we have to suspend our service to them," Guico added.
In his statement, Guico said this sentiment goes the same for the people of Basco, Batanes, Caticlan and Baguio City.
Last June 10, members of the Baguio Convention and Visitors Bureau and local media were brought on the maiden flight of the airline to Manila to attend the company's inauguration of pre-departure facilities at the Manila Domestic Airport.
Moreover, Guico said skypasada.com was not given ample time to upgrade its aircrafts as CAAP only notified them last June 8 and expected them to comply by July 1.
CAAP-Baguio, meanwhile, cannot issue a statement until an official directive will be received from Manila, OIC airport manager Sulyn Sagorsor said.
"Our aircrafts will need to be taken back to its Czechoslovakia plant to make its upgrade and will take more than a month to be airborne again," Guico said.
Guico stressed Sky Pasada wil resume operations with better customer service, a bigger and improved fleet and more exciting destinations for passengers.
"For now, we will be contacting the clients who have booked their flights online for refund instructions. Thank you and we hope to see you again when we resume our flights soon," Guico's statement added.
SkyPasada.com initially opened its operations in the city May 21 servicing its Baguio to Tuguegarao and Cauayan, Isabela routes with local executives, media and airport officials witnessing the event.
The inaugural flight opened Baguio skies to commercial air travel again. (JM Agreda)