PAL mulling San Vicente, Palawan route

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035043
• Wednesday, May 16, 2018

By Ma. Cristina Arayata (PNA)

MANILA -- Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is considering having a San Vicente, Palawan route, spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said on Friday.

San Vicente Airport (SVA) was inaugurated on Thursday, and was opened for commercial flights. Previously, the SVA only caters to light aircraft and Air Juan's chartered flights.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio earlier told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that commercial airlines are still applying to have flights to SVA.

"(SVA) is two hours away from the world-famous El Nido island. It (airport) is strategically positioned, making it an ideal gateway to the famous island," commented Villaluna.

PAL is now studying to open flights to and from SVA, she said, adding the airline will make the announcement once a decision is made.

Apolonio, in a previous interview with PNA, cited that San Vicente could be an alternative destination to Boracay, which has been temporarily closed for rehabilitation.

“San Vicente, Palawan has been named as the country’s Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ). As a Flagship TEZ, San Vicente is envisioned to be one of the centers of tourism development in the Philippines, which will provide varied and integrated tourism and economic facilities and activities that will attract both domestic and foreign investments, therefore generating employment and other socio-economic developments,” he said.

Apolonio said the SVA would serve as the alternative destination's main gateway.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific spokesperson Charo Logarta Lagamon told PNA that the airline has no plans yet regarding the SVA route.