SEAir International (XO, Angeles City Clark International) is to move ahead with plans to develop Angeles City Clark International into its primary hub when it launches scheduled flights to Caticlan and Puerto Princesa from April 16. Using its new name and airline code 'XO', Seair-I will operate flights 5x and 3x weekly respectively onboard a Do328-100.
Additionally, the airline has also signed cargo interline agreements with Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) and Emirates (EK, Dubai International) for its daily cargo runs between Clark and Cebu using its B737-200(F).
“We will negotiate traffic feeds to and from Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines (OZ, Seoul Incheon), Jin Air (LJ, Jeju), and Dragonair (Hong Kong International) in Clark,” said SEAIR-I President, Avelino Zapanta. “We are looking to expand interline agreements with other airlines that are interested in expanding their reach through Clark. We will be capitalizing on our many years of experience in the industry, our brand recall and our network of loyal customers and travel agents.”
Zapanta said the move to use Clark came about after SEAir-I's slots at Manila Ninoy Aquino International were put in jeopardy following the recent takeover of Tigerair Philippines (Angeles City Clark International) by Cebu Pacific Air (5J, Manila Ninoy Aquino International). He added that the airline would operate scheduled flights from Clark, while retaining only chartered flights from Manila.
In line with the airline's expansion plans, the president said Seair-I is looking to acquire more planes to serve upcoming routes to tourist spots like Bantayan, Masbate, Marinduque, Camiguin, and Guiuan. The launch of charter flights to Taiwan, China, and possibly Japan, are also under consideration, he said.
Seair-I was formed as a Low Cost Carrier in 2012 after South East Asian Airlines (Angeles City Clark International)) was sold to Singapore’s Tiger Airways (Singapore Changi).
