The Manila International Airport Authority is supporting the move of Cebu Pacific Air rationalizing flight operations to improve on-time performance and reduce passenger inconvenience.
Part of this effort, according to MIAA, necessitated the cancellation of CEB’s 58 domestic flights from April 30 until May 10, 2019.
“If this is what it takes to address their operational constraints, so be it. We believe all factors were carefully considered by Cebu Pacific in reaching a decision as crucial as this,” said MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal.
Monreal urged clients of Cebu Pacific to watch out for airline advisories for proper guidance on the status of their upcoming flights.
The MIAA chief visited the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and observed the apparent improvement at the boarding gates where passengers were more relaxed, boarding process was orderly and flights departed on time.
Owing to his 37 years in airline operations, Monreal said a balanced aircraft utilization was key to making flight operations efficient.
It requires close coordination among the airline company’s schedule planners, fleet planners, flight reservations, ground operations, flight operations, aircraft maintenance crew, air traffic controllers, and even airport authorities, he added
Monreal reminded airline companies to abide by IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards on ground time and refrain from employing quick turnarounds.
He explained that shrinking turn-around times too much opened room for errors and passenger safety might be compromised.
A delayed departure also means that the flight loses its slot in the scheduled takeoff sequence forcing the airplane to queue at the end of the takeoff order. This strategy is highly discouraged in airline operations.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier reminded Cebu Pacific and airport authorities that appropriate assistance is given to affected passengers.
“Airlines should make sure that the Air Passenger Bill of Rights is strictly observed. All necessary assistance should be given to passengers. .. Let us exert all efforts to attend to their needs,” Tugade said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines assured that it is operating full regular schedule of flights for both domestic and international route networks.
“Our flights and airport operations remain normal at our hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao,” PAL said in a statement in response to numerous queries from air travelers.
“We are ready and willing to work in concert with the government authorities, in particular the Department of Transportation, the airport authorities and the Civil Aeronautics Board, to provide support and relief to the traveling public during this peak travel summer season. Our frontline teams will work to exemplify Buong Pusong Alaga in engaging with our customers at every point of their travel experience,” the airline management said.
“To this end, we are sustaining our recently implemented increases in flight frequencies on key routes and we will do our best to operate these in a timely manner for the benefit of the public, guided always by the highest standards of service and safety, above all.”