Local boutique airline Sunlight Air has officially transferred its operations to Clark International Airport (CRK) in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga from its original home at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Paranaque, Metro Manila.
“In line with our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and top-tier flights to underserved local destinations, we are happy to have launched our first flight from Clark with the support of the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) and are confident that this move will allow us to better deliver our trademark quality of service to many more Filipinos,” shared Sunlight Air CEO, Ryna Brito-Garcia.
“Our decision to expand our operations to this beautiful and spacious airport is a strong testament to this vision of ours. By operating our flights in CRK, we are not just changing our physical location. We are affirming our commitment to enhancing efficiency and convenience for out passengers. CRK represents more than just a new destination for us. It symbolizes our dedication to innovation and progress in the airline industry,” she added.
Brito-Garcia said that the move to CRK primarily stems from the availability of space and the advanced technologies offered by the new airport which makes it more convenient for passengers, which is in line with the airline’s main thrust of providing a better customer experience for its customers.
“It’s a lot more spacious. They have innovative approaches to doing things also. They have a self-check-in kiosk, they have the baggage drop, and I think that’s everything our airline stands for. That’s the reason why we chose Clark airport,” she said.
Sunlight Air’s senior marketing manager John Christopher Bonifacio also explained how CRK’s innovations make for a better travel experiencefor passengers.
“Our decision to move operations here is fueled by the desire to enhance the traveler experience for our customers. From streamlined check-in processes and automated systems, to smoother boarding procedures, every aspect has been optimized for efficiency,” he said.
LIPAD CEO and president Noel Manankil said that Sunlight Air’s decision to move its hub and operate more flights out of CRK will help strengthen the airport’s position as an aviation hub in the region.
“What makes people go in the airport are actually the destinations that are available. The addition of Sunlight Air’s domestic network slowly completes the destination mix,” Manankil shared.
“As we embark on this partnership, we are dedicated to providing Sunlight Air passengers with an unparalleled travel experience marked by efficiency, convenience, and a focus on customer satisfaction. In moving to CRK, Sunlight Air aims to provide their customers with a seamless, convenient, and hassle-free journey to their destination and we at CRK will support that,” he added.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 Director Richard Daenos said Sunlight Air’s relocation of its hub to CRK is also seen to bring economic opportunities in Central Luzon.
“This potential is being strengthened, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience for travelers. This new hub represents more than just a physical expansion… but also opening new opportunities in tourism and economic growth,” Daenos said.
The relocation of Sunlight Air’s hub also allows the airline to tap into a large market of travelers living in Central Luzon. Region 3 is the third most populous region in the country, second only to Region 4-A and the National Capital Region. The addition of Sunlight Air’s network will allow Filipinos living in the region to reach the country’s top tourist sites without having to travel all the way to Metro Manila which is nearly 2 hours away from CRK if passing through the expressways, making Sunlight Air’s offerings more attractive for them.
With its transfer of primary operations to CRK, Sunlight Air now has daily flights to and from Coron and Siargao, twice a week flights to Caticlan, and seasonal flights to San Vicente, Palawan.
Sunlight Air will also be opening new routes from the Mactan-Cebu International airport, with an inaugural flight to Siargao last April 3. This marked the start of daily routes from Cebu to Coron, Siargao, and Manila, with flights to Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, and Caticlan coming soon after.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 3 ATR 72-500 turbo propeller planes capable of hauling 70 passengers which allow the company to provide flights to airports with smaller runways.
Sunlight Air is also looking to expand its fleet over the next few years to support its growing destination network and increased flight frequency.
Brito-Garcia did not disclose which particular planes they are currently eyeing, but she said that Sunlight air is looking to add to its fleet in the next 2-3 years. “Whether it is leasing or buying, we plan to add at least 2 more units to our fleet in the next few years,” Brito-Garcia said.
