The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has assured the readiness of Loakan (Baguio) Airport to handle the influx of passengers with the resumption of its commercial operation after 32 years.
Loakan Airport ceased operations in July 1990.
In coordination with the Baguio City local government, Philippine Airlines (PAL), Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, Office for Transportation Security and other concerned agencies, CAAP assessed and ensured the readiness of the airport and its facilities to handle commercial operations in accordance with the operational, security and technical standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization in the months prior and up until the last day before the airport welcomed the maiden flight from Cebu last December 16.
The successful landing and takeoff of flag carrier PAL flight PR2230 to and from Loakan Airport is proof of the work that all the concerned agencies have put in to provide this new service and connect the Visayan region to Northern Luzon, CAAP said.
“This accomplishment is a milestone. CAAP is determined to provide more to our passengers. We will continue in our work and guarantee that our passengers can expect that the airport will receive even further developments,” Manuel Antonio Tamayo, CAAP director general, said in a statement.
CAAP said it will continuously monitor the airport and conduct further assessments to ensure that Loakan Airport provides safe, reliable, comfortable and convenient service to passengers and stakeholders.
This month, PAL is set to launch new routes from Cebu to Baguio and Cotabato City, as well as from Clark to Hong Kong. Clark also gained a new PAL international link to Seoul and Busan last month. – Myla Iglesias
