AS THERE is a growing market interest in El Nido-bound direct flights for Dabawenyos, AirSwift Transport, Inc. is set to launch an El Nido to Davao and vice versa direct flights in May 2018.
During the Mactan Cebu International Airport Sales Mission on Wednesday, January 31, held at Waterfront Insular Hotel, AirSwift Transport Commercial Head Rolando Nuñez told reporters that they are to fly to Davao from El Nido three times weekly starting May 22. The flights are scheduled to be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The airline plans to make use of their 48-seater ATR 42-600 for the establishment of the flight. They target to officially launch the flight and open ticket bookings by March.
"We have talked to some wholesalers and agents who are interested on these flights. So we can say that the market is really bullish," said Nuñez adding they have already entered into partnerships with two Davao-based agents -- Summit World and John Gold -- for the upcoming establishment of the flights.
"We are hoping to hit the 60 percent (%) of the 48-seating capacities of the aircraft by the time we launch and then 70% by the end of the year," Nuñez said.
"El Nido has a lot to offer to the tourists, not just the beaches," said April Peachy Payumo, AirSwift Transport Commercial Manager when asked why they choose El Nido as the destination to offer for Dabawenyo passengers.
Aside from El Nido to Davao flight and vice versa, the airline will also launch a Palawan-Tagbilaran direct flight on April and Palawan-Busuanga direct flight which will both be scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.