Seair acquires 3 new planes

MANILA, Philippines - Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has announced that it is boosting its operations in the growing markets of Batanes, Boracay, and Romblon by adding three 32-seater Dornier 328s to its fleet starting August 2010.

The acquisition of new planes is part of the SEAIR fleet expansion program. One of the three new aircrafts will start operating in August while the two will fly in October, bringing the total fleet count to five by the end of the year.

SEAIR president Avelino Zapanta said that they have received positive responses in these destinations that translated to a 100-percent increase in sales for the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

He said that by adding more planes, they will be helping in the tourism development in the Philippines, especially in the niche leisure market segment where SEAIR is a pioneer.

Featuring the latest German technology, the Dornier 328 is the fastest and most advanced jet-prop in the region. The aircraft enables SEAIR to offer the fastest flights from Manila to Boracay at just 35 minutes. It has large seat pitch and is designed with more interior volume per passenger than the 100+ seat Boeing 737, and has the feel of a big jet.

Dornier 328s are capable of short take-off and landing (STOL) in about 750 meters with full pay load and are the most appropriate for the small runways of Caticlan, Batanes, and other hard-to-reach destinations where bigger commercial planes cannot land.

Some of the major international airlines that use Dornier 328s include British Airways, KLM, United Airlines, US Airways, and Minerva Air (Alitalia).

Meanwhile, SEAIR also recently announced its special lean season promo for flights from Manila to Tablas, Romblon and vice versa. One-way airfare can be availed for as low as P 1735 ++ for travel until Oct. 15, 2010. SEAIR flies from Manila to Tablas, Romblon v.v. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and in just 30 minutes via the Dornier 328.

Romblon is a cluster of 20 islands, with Tablas being the largest. The province offers panoramic views reminiscent of the Mediterranean islands and has some of the most breathtaking unspoiled white sand beaches in the country. Romblon is nicknamed “Marble Country” and experts say that Romblon marble is comparable to Italian marble in terms of quality.

SEAIR has also increased flights from Cebu to Caticlan and vice versa to six times a week. Flights are offered once a day except on Mondays. One-way fare is for as low as P 1235++. SEAIR is the only airline that brings passengers directly to Boracay via its complimentary transfers from Caticlan airport to Boracay and vice versa.