Insider Spotlight
The aircraft flew the Manila–Tagbilaran route, marking the first time the airport has handled a jet of this size. The announcement, made through a press release, underscores BPIA’s strengthened capability to support larger aircraft and rising travel demand.
Why this matters
The milestone signals Bohol’s accelerating rise as a premier tourism and investment hub. With wide-body capability, airlines can boost passenger capacity per flight, introduce new long-haul opportunities, and improve network efficiencies—all of which position Bohol for stronger regional competitiveness.
Driving the upgrade
The achievement follows months of safety, fire protection, and rescue capability enhancements implemented by Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation (ABAC), which operates BPIA.
These upgrades focused on meeting the stringent requirements set by regulators, including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
ABAC worked closely with these agencies to raise BPIA’s compliance level—expanding trained rescue personnel, elevating emergency-response readiness, and upgrading firefighting equipment.
The improvements now enable BPIA to accommodate the A330 and other wide-body jets safely and consistently.
What leaders are saying
“The Provincial Government of Bohol welcomes Cebu Pacific’s decision to deploy its Airbus A330 for daily flights to and from Bohol,” said Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado. “This move reflects their strong confidence in our province’s tourism potential and growing economy.”
Fire superintendent Raul G. Bustaliño, Jr., BFP Bohol Provincial Fire Marshal, echoed this, noting: “Ensuring that BPIA meets the safety and rescue requirements for an aircraft of this size is a major accomplishment. Our collaboration with ABAC ensures that passengers, airlines, and the community can rely on the highest standards of safety.”
Bigger jets, bigger opportunities
Wide-body capability opens new possibilities for Bohol’s economy: larger tourist arrivals, increased airline capacity during peak months, and the potential introduction of direct international routes.
Aboitiz Operating Airports COO Terence Delomoney emphasized this trajectory. “The arrival of the A330 demonstrates our commitment to elevating BPIA to world-class standards,” he said.
“This capability allows airlines to increase capacity, introduce more direct flights, and ultimately bring more travelers to experience the beauty and culture of Bohol.”
With this milestone, Bohol strengthens its position as one of the country’s fastest-emerging tourism and business destinations—unlocking fresh opportunities for local communities and the broader economy. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
