SAN JOSE, Antique – Preparations for the maiden flight of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Dec. 16 at the Evelio B. Javier Airport in his capital town is almost complete.
“We are just finishing the canopy being asked by PAL for the passenger terminal and the runway markings,” said acting airport manager Jose Fajunio from the Civil Aviation Authority for the Philippines.
The airport stopped commercial operations for several years and was used only by private planes until the government decided to reopen it.
Fajunio said PAL’s Clark-Antique route will initially start with two flights a week. Future frequencies will depend on the number of passengers.
“PAL might consider increasing the twice a week flight from Clark to Antique and vice versa if there would be enough passengers,” he added.
Fajunio said they “will really ensure that by Dec. 16” they “are 100 percent ready for the flight.”
He added that CAAP air traffic controllers and personnel for the airways navigation service have already arrived for the maiden flight.
“There are also nine firefighters with their firetruck at the airport now,” Fajunio said.
The remaining obstructive tree that was subjected for pruning has been cut down already.
“Tall trees pose as hazards to the aircraft,” the airport official explained.
Fajunio said the runway at the airport was extended from 1.2 kilometers to 1.3 kilometers.
“With the runway expansion, it now meets the requirement of PAL,” he added. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
