THE PEOPLE of Pagadian can now have the luxury of choosing their airline after the Philippine Airlines (PAL) officially launched its Manila-Pagadian inaugural flight on Sunday.
The country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines launched its Manila-Pagadian flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City.
PAL’s inaugural flight to Pagadian with registry number RP-C8610, a 156 seater-capacity took off at 2:26 p.m. with 134 passengers on board and touched down at Pagadian airport .
Secretary Arthur Tugade of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the event’s keynote speaker said he lauded the efforts of the PAL for opening the Manila-Pagadian route saying that it help establish and enhance the connectivity and mobility in Mindanao as the country’s future.
“This is just a start of the project of President Rodrigo Duterte in making Mindanao alive and vibrant,” Tugade announced
Tugade said Pagadian City was blessed to have the inaugural flight, and soon the city will also have its airport terminal.
Tugade said he personally came to inspect and check the situation of the airport for further development and modernization and to ensure that Pagadian airport can already operate the night flights.
PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Gilbert Sta. Maria said he was happy to present to Pagadianons the newest connection in Mindanao and Luzon—the Philippine Airlines daily service from Pagadian to Manila.
“We are offering a new choice of travel to the capital city, providing more convenient access for government leaders, local tourists, family travelers and cargo here in Zamboanga del Sur,” Sta. Maria proudly said.
“Our presence here today is PAL’s responsible challenge. Your flag carrier is determined to find new ways and opportunities to connect people and help the economy of Mindanao,” Sta. Maria said adding that Mindanao is the emerging economic heartland of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Mayor Samuel Co thanked PAL’s top executives for approving and granting his request of putting up Pagadian-Manila route.
Co said ever since Pagadian became the regional center in Western Mindanao, the passengers have consistently increased every year but with only one (1) airlines flying -- the Cebu Pacific Pagadian-Manila and Pagadian-Cebu, we cannot expect a cheaper fare because of monopoly.
Co was deeply elated because the first phase of the airport project, which will start in a few months, has already been approved by Secretary Tugade amounting to P277-Million.
The project, Co said includes the expansion of the runway, construction of 7-storey control tower with modern navigational equipment and runway lights.(By Gideon C. Corgue)
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