Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) is planning to move "some" turboprop-operated flights from Angeles City Clark International to Manila Sangley, a military airport currently undergoing a transition to a dual-use facility. CEO Jaime Bautista told the Filipino media that the relocation could occur by the end of 2019.
"If Sangley is developed, we can move some of the flights from Clark to Sangley. And this will allow many passengers reach Manila rather than go to Clark," Bautista said, as reported by The Manilla Times.
The Filipino flag carrier already filed an appropriate application with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Bautista added. PAL would also be interested in serving more newly developed airports in the area as a means of decongesting Manila Ninoy Aquino International.
Sangley airport was initially due to open for civilian flights in the third quarter of 2019, although the launch is now likely to be postponed into the fourth quarter. The airport is due to primarily serve general aviation traffic but will also cater to small-scale scheduled operations.
The runway at Sangley was already extended from 1,200 to 2,300 metres. Other works, including on the terminal and ramps, are ongoing.
According to the ch-aviation capacity module, PAL currently operates 103 weekly turboprop domestic departures from Clark, all of them onboard Dash 8-400s operated by the carrier's subsidiary PAL Express (2P, Manila Ninoy Aquino International). It also operates 63 weekly jet departures from the airport. The airline does not operate any turboprop departures from Manila Ninoy Aquino Int'l.
Sangley is located some 35 kilometres away from Manila's centre, compared to the 50-kilometre distance for Clark.
