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Air Philippines renews 25-year franchise
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Republic Act No. 11682 lapsed into law on April 11
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Air Philippines operates as PAL Express
Air Philippines renewed its 25-year franchise after a legislative measure granting such renewal lapsed into law on April 11.
A copy of Republic Act No. 11682 was only released on April 26. A proposed measure lapses into law if the President neither signs nor vetoes it within 30 days from receipt in his office.
RA 11682 renews the franchise of Air Philippines “to establish, operate, and maintain domestic and international air transport services, including the maintenance and operation of hangars, aircraft service stations and facilities, and other services related to aircraft transportation…”
Air Philippines operates as PAL Express (PALEx). PALEx is a wholly owned subsidiary of Philippine Airlines (PAL). As PAL’s codeshare partner, PAL Express operates as a full-service carrier within a low-cost model.
“The approval of the Air Philippines franchise by both houses of Congress and Malacañang is a welcome affirmation of the government’s confidence in our airline’s capability to address the air transport needs of the flying public,” PAL Express officer-in-charge Rabbi Vincent Ang said in a statement.
“We are grateful for their trust, and we pledge to continue working together with our stakeholder partners to help shape the growth of Philippine aviation. We assure the public that Air Philippines will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and service as we transport people and cargo across our extensive route network,” Ang added.
Under the law, the airline should secure the appropriate certificates, permits, and licenses for its operations from the Civil Aeronautics Board and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
PALEx should also maintain scheduled and non-scheduled flights or chartered air transport services to any or all points and places throughout the Philippines and between the Philippines and other countries at such frequencies as traffic needs may require, provided that at least 25% of its frequencies are for the domestic market.
