APD| Philippines: Improvement in flight on-time performance noted

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

**MANILA, July 12 (APD) ** – The two flag-carriers of the Philippines, Philippine Air Lines, and Cebu Pacific improved their On-Time Performance two weeks after they signed a Pledge of Commitment to the Aviation and Airports Sector of the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

In a statement released today, the DoTr said PAL Vice President for Flight Operations Captain Stanley Ng said PAL’s monthly average OTP improved from below 60% in April 2019 to nearly 80% in June. For this month, the running average OTP for PAL reached 82%.

For Cebu Pacific, Chief Operations Officer (COO) Michael Ivan Shau said from 60% in June, their flight OTP improved to 77% in July with peak days reaching 80%.

According to the DoTr, OTP rating for airports is measured by the number of departures and arrivals that take place in less than 15 minutes after scheduled departure/arrival times, including cancellations.

Both airlines reported the improvements came after the signing of their Pledge of Commitment last June 26, 2019, where top local airlines affirmed their support for initiatives on-air sector improvements with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

They vowed to help in decongesting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) through improved on-time flight performance, support the development of other gateways including Sangley Airport in Cavite and the improvement of air passengers’ travel experience.

Under the commitment, airlines pledged to aid in the decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) through improved on-time flight performance, support the development of other gateways including Sangley Airport in Cavite, and improve the travel experience of air passengers.

PAL’s Ng said they will improve their internal processes and collaborate with government agencies to assure passengers of better experience when traveling to the Philippines.

Cebu Pacific’s Chau said coordinated and concerted efforts from all stakeholders resulted in the OTP improvement at the NAIA as he vowed to further cooperate with government agencies.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the airline operators as he encouraged them to further improve their services for the benefit of air travelers.

“I thank PAL and Cebu Pacific for their efforts to improve OTP. I hope this can be increased, and that more airlines follow suit,” Tugade was quoted saying.

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal welcomed the improvements made. He said they are working on a number of solutions to further decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)