Aerowurkz Aviation plans services within Mindanao

DAVAO CITY-based Aerowurkz Aviation, which primarily provides agricultural aerial spraying services, is planning to venture into passenger and cargo flights within Mindanao and the BruneiIndonesia- Malaysia- Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

In an interview, Aerowurkz President Albert Y. Pingoy said his company recently purchased a brand new 70-seater aircraft for a “commuter airways” that will initially serve the routes between the cities of Davao, Cotabato, and General Santos, and from Mindanao to destinations within the BIMP regional sub-grouping.

Services to and from Puerto Princesa in Palawan, which recently opened a refurbished international airport, are also being considered. Palawan, along with Mindanao, are the Philippine’s focus areas within the BIMP-EAGA.

“This is a 70- seater aircraft we are eyeing to fly the routes in Mindanao and BIMP- EAGA areas. It will be named Air Van, like a UV van plying passengers from Davao to Cotabato, but ours have wings,” Mr. Pingoy said, noting that they do not intend to compete with the country’s major airlines.

“It’s cheaper to take the ( land) van, but for those people who are busy and values time like catching up a meeting in Cotabato, we can cater to them,” he added.

Another market segment they intend to cover is the small- and medium-scale exporters of highvalue agricultural products from Mindanao, such as a mushroom and chili seller sending goods to Manado, Indonesia. The aircraft has a cargo capacity of around five cubic meters.

Mr. Pingoy added that the aircraft can also be used a medical evacuation service as the seats are detachable.

“The aircraft is very versatile, it has many functions,” he said.

Another potential service being considered is aerial tourism services within the Davao Region.

Aerowurkz Aviation, a subsidiary of AYP Holdings, Inc., is currently working on the necessary permits.

“I cannot give you the timeline for the start of the operation, but the airplane we bought last year is ready to fly. We are just waiting for our last certification. We want to start right away,” Mr. Pingoy said.

The company plans to purchase an additional four aircrafts for the multi-service operations. —