Seair bullish as RP tourism recovers
September 29, 2002 | 12:00am
CLARK FIELD, Pampanga – After four years in the doldrums, Philippine tourism is set to fly high this year with faster growth, better international promotion and new business expansion plans. The "Wow Philippines" campaign of Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and "2003 Visit Philippines Year" of the World Tourism Organization are revitalizing the country’s international reputation.
A big problem before was the lack of air service to far-flung beaches and tourist destinations in many provinces. One of the enterprises now looking at new investments is home-grown South East Asian Airlines (Seair), the first domestic airline firm with its base at the Clark Special Economic Zone.
Seair recently announced its projection of 50 percent business growth this year, its welcoming of potential new investors and plans to go international.
Traditional aviation leaders Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and Air Philippines are also expected to beef up their fleets with new planes and new air routes. Seair also services Jolo in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, apart from popular routes to Cebu, Davao, five municipalities in Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Bicol and Mindoro.
"With the opening of the new NAIA 3 airport soon and aggressive tourism promotions, we are envisioning a golden era for Philippine aviation industry this year and 2003," an aviation executive said.
In an interview with The STAR, Seair chairman Iren Dornier and director Nikolas Gitsis said, "We now service 25 domestic routes, which is the largest in the Philippines, more than even Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. We plan to operate larger planes like DC-9 and Boeing 737. We will need $45 million in new investments for the next three years, especially now that Philippine tourism is growing faster than expected. We are open to new business partners. Seair is now in talks with some business groups in China, and also in America, for possible new investments. Seair hopes to grow with Philippine tourism."
Dornier, a German pilot and Seair founder whose family is behind the famous aircraft manufacturer Dornier Technologie, said, "The aviation industry in the Philippines is still in its early stage, maybe only phase 1 or 2. It should be further developed with new investments in order to support Philippine tourism growth. Thailand has about 90 percent established tourism industry, with facilities and airlines. Seair supports the development of Philippine aviation; we are also into servicing, maintenance and refurbishing of planes for local and foreign clients."
Gitsis, a Greek-American pilot and executive from New York, said, "Seair foresees at least 50 percent growth in our business this year, and 25 percent next year. Philippine tourism will grow fast. All domestic airlines should expand routes and upgrade their planes in order to grow with the tourism industry."
A big problem before was the lack of air service to far-flung beaches and tourist destinations in many provinces. One of the enterprises now looking at new investments is home-grown South East Asian Airlines (Seair), the first domestic airline firm with its base at the Clark Special Economic Zone.
Seair recently announced its projection of 50 percent business growth this year, its welcoming of potential new investors and plans to go international.
Traditional aviation leaders Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and Air Philippines are also expected to beef up their fleets with new planes and new air routes. Seair also services Jolo in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, apart from popular routes to Cebu, Davao, five municipalities in Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Bicol and Mindoro.
"With the opening of the new NAIA 3 airport soon and aggressive tourism promotions, we are envisioning a golden era for Philippine aviation industry this year and 2003," an aviation executive said.
In an interview with The STAR, Seair chairman Iren Dornier and director Nikolas Gitsis said, "We now service 25 domestic routes, which is the largest in the Philippines, more than even Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. We plan to operate larger planes like DC-9 and Boeing 737. We will need $45 million in new investments for the next three years, especially now that Philippine tourism is growing faster than expected. We are open to new business partners. Seair is now in talks with some business groups in China, and also in America, for possible new investments. Seair hopes to grow with Philippine tourism."
Dornier, a German pilot and Seair founder whose family is behind the famous aircraft manufacturer Dornier Technologie, said, "The aviation industry in the Philippines is still in its early stage, maybe only phase 1 or 2. It should be further developed with new investments in order to support Philippine tourism growth. Thailand has about 90 percent established tourism industry, with facilities and airlines. Seair supports the development of Philippine aviation; we are also into servicing, maintenance and refurbishing of planes for local and foreign clients."
Gitsis, a Greek-American pilot and executive from New York, said, "Seair foresees at least 50 percent growth in our business this year, and 25 percent next year. Philippine tourism will grow fast. All domestic airlines should expand routes and upgrade their planes in order to grow with the tourism industry."
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