CEB supports gov't plans to decrease air traffic

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Pacific (CEB) acknowledges the recent delays to its flights mostly caused by air traffic congestion, and pledges continuous support to relevant government authorities to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport runway. CEB actively worked with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Manila International Airport Authority for the appointment of an independent slot coordinator, who recently approved all airport slots for the March to October summer schedule, and will continue to coordinate airport slots using IATA guidelines. 

Well-managed airport slotting (the specific time allotted an airline to land and take off) prevents congestion, and maximizes airport use and aircraft movements.

“The traveling public has been experiencing air traffic congestion in Manila, and both the government and airlines have been taking several proactive steps to minimize this. As the airline industry grows, it is very important to plan ahead to be at par with other international airports,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

“CEB remains consistent in pushing tourism for the benefit of the Philippine economy. We have to increase flights in order to meet the government’s tourism targets,” she added.

CEB, which saw its on-time performance go from an average of 88% in 2010 to 77% in 2011, also supports the following government plans:

The phased transfer of aviation schools and general aviation aircraft (corporate jets and small planes, for instance, carrying one passenger compared to hundreds on a commercial plane) since these use up to 17% of NAIA’s capacity annually. Transfer of these operations may be expedited further.

The upgrading of more airports outside Manila to allow night flights will decongest the NAIA runway and allow airlines to spread out their flights throughout the day. 

The hiring of additional airport tower and aerodome personnel to complement night-rated airports, as well as setting up of additional Customs, Immigration and Quarantine services for airports outside Manila. 

The government plan to build additional rapid exit ways to allow landing aircraft to immediately leave the runways. This way, other aircraft can already utilize said runway as soon as possible. (FREEMAN)