SkyJet Airlines recently launched new daily scheduled flights between Manila and Kalibo and new charter flights between Kalibo and Taiwan last week using its British Aerospace Bae-146 aircraft. Flights to Caticlan have now been suspended, while the carrier serves Boracay Island through the Kalibo gateway.
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Copyright Photo: Adrian Smith/PPSG |
In addition to its new 45-minute flight to Kalibo, SkyJet Airlines has managed to obtain a charter contract operating flights between Taipei and Kalibo. However, the inaugural flight did not go quite as planned earlier this month as the very first flight from Taipei had to be cancelled due to an aircraft malfunction.
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Image Source: SkyJet Airlines |
The SkyJet aircraft was scheduled to take off from Taipei at 9:50am. However, the pilot observed malfunctions and decided that the aircraft should be put through safety checks. The 73 passengers on board the aircraft were disembarked and were kept waiting until the afternoon until the flight was eventually cancelled. SkyJet offered compensation of NT$1,000 (US$33) to each of the passengers but did not offer any additional explanation of the incident.
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Image Source: SkyJet Airlines |
Meanwhile, SkyJet President Dino Reyes-Chua says that the carrier may also be contracted to operate charters between Boracay and Coron. "The problem for South Korea, China, and other European markets is it would be tiring for them to fly from Coron to Manila, and from Manila again to Boracay," said Reyes-Chua. He added that the airline continues to observe growing interest in a direct flight between Boracay and Coron, as noted in a traveller exit survey conducted by the municipality of Coron.
Earlier this month, SkyJet launched the only flights available between Manila and Baler on August 17, just in time for the Baler Town Fiesta. The twenty minute flights are currently operated three times per week. Baler is the capital of Aurora province and is recognized as one of the most popular surfing destinations in the Philippines. In 2009, Google ranked Baler as one of the most searched beach destinations in the country.
The new destinations of Baler, Kalibo, and Taipei add to SkyJet's existing routes to Coron and Batanes. In order to accommodate the new flights, SkyJet has leased a Dornier 328 aircraft to operate its existing scheduled flights to Basco, Coron, and now Baler. Flights to Baler are every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while flights to Coron are operated on Fridays and Sundays, and flights to Basco operate on Mondays and Fridays.
SkyJet flights to Taipei and Kalibo are operated using the carrier's four engined Bae-146 aircraft. Flights to Kalibo depart Manila on a daily basis. SkyJet is considered a full service airline experience that provides passengers with complimentary checked luggage, snacks, and beverages such as champagne.
According to SkyJet's President, the carrier is also planning on launching commercial flights to Naga, Vigan, and Siargao in the near future. The service to Naga would replace SkyJet's previous route to Virac, Cantanduanes. "Our mission is to serve the unserved, discover the undiscovered," added Reyes-Chua. He added that flights to Coron may increase to daily service in time for the peak season beginning in September or October.
Skyjet is notorious in frequent flight changes and cancellations. An ambitious airline that just can't take off.
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