The finding by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) that pilot error was behind the plane crash that killed Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo should remind everyone that in the era of easy and readily available air transport, safety remains a key concern and a nagging challenge.
AIR TRANSPORT plays an important role of connecting people across this great country which has over 7,000 islands and stretches for about 1,800 kilometers from north to south. And it has an even greater role connecting the Philippines to the rest of the world, facilitating trade and tourism.
The Department of Transportation and Communications is closely and urgently working with domestic airline companies to address the air traffic congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
THERE’S no denying that budget airlines have fueled the growth of air travel in the country. A decade ago, taking the plane was the sole province of the rich. Today, a high-level corporate executive could be sitting in the same row as a household helper on a flight to Cebu and no one would give a second glance.
145,353: Number of domestic aircraft takeoffs and landings in 2011 up 72 percent from 2006
When Roxanne Lu bought a regular-price round-trip ticket from Manila to Caticlan, she did not imagine that a vacation in Boracay could end on anything less than a pleasant note.
Government now has the unenviable task of balancing the interests of budget airlines, which employ thousands of workers and invest billions of pesos every year, and the rights of passengers—many of whom have complained of alleged abuses by local carriers.
The recent crash of a Beechcraft eight-seater plane into a slum area in Parañaque City that took 13 lives highlights an issue that few Filipinos worry about—until it hits them more directly. This is the issue of governance and management of civil aviation in this country, which has far-reaching implications on Filipinos’ jobs, livelihood and safety, well beyond what meets the eye.
There ought to be a law giving more protection to airline passengers who are so helpless whenever their flights are cancelled. Last March 28, I booked a flight for Cebu for my family’s August 27 trip. When I printed my e-ticket on July 30, I was surprised to find out that our 4:15 a.m. flight [...]
ENTERING THE Naia Centennial Terminal last week, we were reminded by fellow passengers that we were home again. While moving toward the immigration counters, the lady behind me suddenly exclaimed, “Ay, Kumadre, sira ang escalator.” Her companion, in a matter-of-fact tone, replied, “Tama, nasa Pilipinas nga tayo.” With three international flights from Vancouver, San Francisco [...]
THE PHILIPPINE Air Force lost again yet another S-211 trainer jet. (Inquirer, 4/30/11) This type of jet has been in use by PAF for several years now. The government prides itself in having the best training facilities in Southeast Asia. The only question that boggles our mind is why the PAF continues to use the [...]
THIS REFERS to the Inquirer’s March 26 editorial on the issue of reciprocity which may be a cause for worry to some local air carriers that feel they may be put at a disadvantage. It does not mean that Executive Order 29 has completely disregarded reciprocity. Sec. 3 of the executive order provides that the [...]
