MANILA, Philippines – Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR), the country’s premiere leisure airline, still offers the best and fastest flights to Caticlan, as fast as 35 minutes.
In fact, it is the only airline flying to Caticlan since the other airlines have moved their operations to Kalibo.
The airline has in its fleet three Dornier 328 and six LET L-410. Both types of planes are capable of short take-off and landing (STOL).
“These aircraft are the most appropriate for the small runways of Caticlan, Palawan, and other destinations where bigger commercial airlines cannot land,” says Avelino Zapanta, SEAIR president.
“Our aircraft are aerodynamically designed in a way that they are capable of landing and taking off in about 750 meters with full pay load,” he adds.
Last year, official records show that from January to October, more than 35 percent of all flights to Boracay were via SEAIR.
The airline made 3,511 flights to and from Caticlan, translating to 635 flights more than the airline’s nearest competitor.
“SEAIR has as many as 28 flights during the peak season. This means more options for the passengers when they want to arrive in Boracay and return to Manila,” says Zapanta.
SEAIR has been operating directly to Caticlan continuously since 1995 and has flown an average of 160,000 passengers a year between Manila and Caticlan in the last three years.
In 2005, SEAIR introduced the 32-seater Dornier 328, the fastest and most advanced jet-prop in the region with STOL capabilities. It is the latest in a long line of technologically innovative aircraft manufactured by the famous German aircraft manufacturer Claude Dornier. It is widely used for the same purpose by British Airways, Cirrus Airlines, and Air Alps.
The LET L-410 is ideal for unpaved airstrips and is one of the most widely manufactured aircraft in its class. It holds one of the highest safety records for any turbo prop. It can seat 19 passengers.
“SEAIR continues aiming to bring more travelers to new destinations,” says Zapanta. “With its fleet of highly versatile aircraft chosen specifically for their STOL capabilities, the airline has consistently pioneered in opening missionary routes to the public.”
SEAIR remains committed to Mindanao being the only airline that operates to Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. It plans to fly to Baguio in August, and to Marinduque and Masbate in the Bicol region.
Call (+632) 849-0100 for more information.