Traveling & beyond

AirTrav Corp., which operates private chopper services and offers air charter services, recently held a get-together for resort and hotel partners and travel operators at the French restaurant Impressions in Resorts World Manila. AirTrav president Capt. Jacob Cusi and sales director Ann Margaret

Ngui were present at the event to welcome guests.

AirTrav recently launched scheduled flights from Manila to Clark International Airport and Puerto Galera, with plans to expand to other destinations, possibly Boracay and Palawan this year. If and when it gets approval to fly to Boracay, it will be the first operator to fly directly to the island. The flight to Boracay will take about one hour and 15 minutes and could be the fastest way to get to the island.

During the event, the company shared its expansion plans for the rest of 2018 and beyond. Cusi said the company plans to acquire a second Cessna Grand Caravan ex-amphibian, which can carry eight passengers and is capable of land and water landings. He said, “Most of our passengers right now are foreigners. The tourism industry is booming with a big volume of tourists forecasted to come from China and Korea.”

Also present during the get-together were representatives of the hotels in Resorts World Manila, Palawan and Puerto Galera, where AirTrav flies to six times a week. The company is bullish about Clark as part of the efforts to decongest Manila and its airports. Cusi added, “Clark is more than just the airport. It’s a gateway to big manufacturing facilities.”

AirTrav flies out of Realship Yachts CCP Complex, Terminal B, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Because it operates independently, passengers are guaranteed a hassle-free process and can arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure and there is no need to fall in line.

The company only offers scheduled flights between Manila, Clark and Puerto Galera. The flight to Clark departs from Manila Bay and arrives at Clark International Airport in 30 minutes while the travel between Manila and Puerto Galera takes about 40 minutes.

Resorts World Manila’s Ina Abogada and Sasha Eunice Saringan.

Bacau Bay Resort Coron’s Shari Panganiban, Ann Margaret Ngui and Cauayan Island Resort El Nido’s Sharone Rellita.

AirTrav’s Capt. Julie Bilongilot and Capt. Ray Antiporta.

Capt. Jacob Cusi, Ann Margaret Ngui and Francis Cusi.

Creative Travel’s Verna Payawal, Balik Pinas, Balik Saya’s Bessie Rustia and Pegasus Air’s Junne Abejuela.

AirTrav chief Capt. Jacob Cusi.

Ann Margaret Ngui.

Jema Ng.

Cauayan Resort’s Mark Atienza.

Hotel Sales and Marketing Association of the Philippines president Christine Ibarreta with Capt. Jacob Cusi.

Fridays’ Charelle Dannug.

Antonio Diaz de Rivera.

Busuanga Bay Lodge’s Catherine Villanueva.

AirTrav’s Mia Mancio.