FIRM LAUNCHES CEBUMAASIN FLIGHT, PLANS MORE CONNECTIONS TO RESORTISLANDS SOON
Airline flies from Cebu to Bantayan, Tagbilaran, Maasin, Siquijor, Biliran, Sipalay
Here’s another way to island-hop. Air Juan Aviation Inc. launched yesterday its flight from Cebu the Maasin, which uses a Cessna Grand Caravan-Ex that carries nine passengers and two flight crew members. As part of its mission to make inter-island travel faster and more hassle-free, AirJuan now operates flights from Cebu to Bantayan, Tagbilaran, Maasin, Biliran, Siquijor and Sipalay. It also operates a seaplane that serves guests of the Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan town in northern Cebu. “Our goal is to connect the islands in the country, and bring guests to the country’s most beautiful and less-chartered destinations. We want every tourist to experience our over 7,000 islands,” said Paolo Misa, Air Juan marketing head. In the past three months, the company has launched 15 direct routes in its hubs in Manila, Cebu and Palawan. It plans to operate soon some flights that will connect Cebu to Lakawon Resort, Concepcion, Sicogon, Gigantes, Kalanggaman, Malapascua, Camotes, Panglao and Anda
Air Juan Aviation Inc. formally launched its Cebu hub yesterday by connecting the province to several islands in the Visayas, making inter-island travel fast and hassle-free.
It made its maiden landplane flight from Cebu to Maasin City yesterday using a modern Cessna Grand Caravan-Ex, which carries nine passengers and two flight crew members.
Air Juan now operates scheduled flights from Cebu to Bantayan, Tagbilaran, Maasin, Biliran, Siquijor and Sipalay. The firm is, likewise, a seaplane operator in the country with a direct route to Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan utilizing a brand new Cessna Grand Caravan-Amphibian.
Air Juan Aviation Inc. president John Gutierrez said they are embarking on rapid expansion for Cebu, citing the province’s huge potential in trade and tourism.
The carrier offers landplane, seaplane and helicopter services in Cebu to time-sensitive clients.
“Our goal is to connect the islands in the country, and bring guests to the country’s most beautiful and less-chartered des- tinations. We want every tourist to experience our over 7,000 islands,” said Paolo Misa, Air Juan marketing head.
Air Juan is a duly licensed scheduled airline by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Civil Aeronautics Board. It is also accredited by the Department of Tourism as a tourist air transport provider.
Gutierrez said they are not competing against commercial planes but serving as an alternative carrier, especially for passengers who want to be in areas that bigger carriers can’t operate in.
In the past three months, Air Juan launched 15 direct routes in its hubs in Manila, Cebu and Pal- awan. Soon from Cebu, the carrier will serve Lakawon Resort, Concepcion, Sicogon, Gigantes, Kalanggaman, Malapascua, Camotes, Panglao and Anda.
The firm is also in talks with bigger resorts in Cebu for the seaplane services.
Gutierrez added they are also looking at connecting several islands in San Vicente (Palawan), Lucena (Quezon), and Daet (Camarines Sur) to Manila as well as offering air services for Siargao, Iligan, Pearl Farm Resort in Davao, Camiguin and Vigan.
Air Juan will also invest in bigger aircraft that can carry up to 30 passengers soon to bring more tourists to other destinations in the country, said Gutierrez.
GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. chief commercial adviser Ravishankar Saravu welcomed Air Juan’s entry to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, saying it will boost Cebu’s trade and tourism.
Saravu said carriers like Air Juan facilitate trade connectivity by linking small cities to big cities, boosting business activities. This spurs tourism and increases people’s propensity to travel, leading to the development of more airports across the country.