In a statement on Monday, the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines said it welcomes talks started by Transportation secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez as domestic passenger volumes now exceed pre-COVID levels, even as airport charges, taxes, and infrastructure limits keep costs high.
ACAP is the country’s premier domestic airline group, backed by AirAsia Philippines, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Philippine Airlines.
“On some airports with short runways, airlines operate smaller turboprop aircraft with fewer seats resulting in higher costs per seat, making it challenging to sustainably and affordably serve some domestic markets,” ACAP said.
Some gateways, however, are better suited to shorter runways and are more efficiently served by turboprop aircraft such as those made by French manufacturer ATR, which Cebu Pacific widely operate across the Philippines.
Longer runways would allow larger jets with more seats, lowering cost per seat and easing pressure on fares. That would unlock more routes at provincial airports and support tourism and local jobs.
“Fares are only part of travel costs. We welcome collaboration with the DOTr and other stakeholders on practical, long-term solutions to reduce overall costs and improve infrastructure and connectivity. Together, we can build a more resilient and affordable domestic air transport system,” ACAP said.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
