Sunlight Air adds ATR 72-600 to fleet, expands island routes

Insider Spotlight

• Sunlight Air introduces a new ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet.
• The new plane strengthens its regional network and sustainability goals.
• Siquijor joins the airline’s list of destinations starting December 15.

Boutique carrier Sunlight Air has expanded its fleet with the arrival of an ATR 72-600, underscoring its plan to grow domestic tourism links across the Philippines and offer greener air travel options.

The turboprop aircraft landed at Clark International Airport on Oct. 3, 2025, and began commercial operations on Oct. 26. It joins the airline’s three ATR 72-500s, enhancing capacity and fuel efficiency for short regional routes.

“It’s been a long time coming, and we’re ecstatic to announce our latest addition of the ATR 72-600,” said Ryna Brito-Garcia, CEO of Sunlight Air. “This new aircraft is only one manifestation of the airline’s growth over the past few years, and this fleet expansion comes in line with our plans to continuously improve Sunlight Air’s services and eventually expand our route offerings.”

Ryna Brito-Garcia

The Sunlight Air chief said the boutique airline plans to acquire its first narrow-body jet by 2027.

Fleet expansion and route growth

This particular ATR 72-600 seats up to 68 passengers — instead of the customary 72 — and produces lower carbon emissions than older-generation planes. Sunlight Air said the new aircraft will initially service routes linking Clark, Siargao, Cebu, and Busuanga, key leisure gateways for both local and foreign tourists.

The airline is also launching flights to Siquijor starting December 15, operating four times weekly from Cebu — the first direct connection between the two islands. The move aligns with Sunlight Air’s mission to make regional travel more accessible and support emerging tourist destinations.

Launch event and partnerships

The new plane was unveiled during an October 24 event in Pampanga featuring Sunlight Air’s refreshed livery and updated logo. The ceremony gathered partners including Sunlight Hotels and Resorts, Discovery Hotels & Resorts, Uni-Tech Philippines Industrial Machinery Inc., A&M Elite Aviation International Corp., LIPAD Corp., and the Clark Development Corp.

Context

Founded as a boutique airline focused on leisure travel, Sunlight Air operates from Clark, Cebu, and Manila, serving Boracay, Coron, Siargao, and Cagayan de Oro. It also offers bundled vacation packages through its website, combining air travel and resort stays.

With the ATR 72-600 addition, Sunlight Air positions itself to tap growing domestic travel demand while maintaining a focus on sustainability and customer experience.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas