THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Roxas Airport welcomed the inaugural flight of Air Asia Philippines through a ceremonial water cannon salute on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

Around 180 passengers of AirAsia flight no. Z2 343, including AirAsia Philippines CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Ricky Isla, airline executives, and Manila-based media were welcomed upon arrival by Roxas Airport Manager Engineer John William Fuerte, Capiz Governor Esteban Contreras, and Mayor Ronnie Dadivas represented by Roxas City Councilor Atty. Paul Ivan Baticados, and with regional tourism and trade industry officials.

The aircraft departed Roxas on the same day at around 9:10 a.m. with a full load of passengers.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said in his message, “We are happy to have successfully launched our maiden flight in Roxas. The pandemic may have pushed back the opening, but it also allowed us to focus on strengthening the viability of this route. Expect AirAsia to be driving foreign and local tourists to experience the best of Capiz. We are confident that this expansion will also help in stimulating commerce and growth in other booming sectors.”

Currently, Roxas Airport is accommodating flights from the three major local airlines such as Philippine Airlines (PAL), AirAsia Philippines, and Cebu Pacific (CEB).

AirAsia will fly to Roxas Airport thrice a week every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Part of AirAsia Super App’s maiden flight to the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” is to support its seafood trade and industry.

Roxas Airport is a Class 1 Principal domestic airport serving the general area of Roxas City and the province of Capiz in the Philippines.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi