Magnum Air (Skyjet) Airlines is set to launch its maiden flight to Basco, Batanes on Dec. 14, one month after it received its airline operator certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
Skyjet Airlines calls itself a “boutique airline” that will service tourist destinations with affordable fares and a full-service package usually offered by luxe airlines.
Presently, Skyjet will be servicing Batanes three times a week, using its fleet of two BAe 146-200 jets that have a capacity of 94 passengers and three tons of cargo. These are the same types of aircraft used by the British Royal Family and most European airlines.
The BAe 146-200 jet is capable of landing on and taking off from shorter runways, making it the ideal plane for smaller airports like the one in Batanes.
Skyjet will also soon service other destinations beginning next year including Busuanga, Caticlan, and Surigao.
Skyjet is backed by experienced pilots with at least 10,000 work hours on BAe146 Series planes. They are headed by director of flight operations Capt. Antonio Buendia, who used to head the Philippine Aerospace Development Corp, the Business Mirror reported.
