Bohol-Panglao Airport starts night flights
Published Sep 4, 2019 12:00 am
By Emmie V. Abadilla
The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) is now capable of night flights after putting in more navigation system.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade (Photo by Ali Vicoy)
From the beginning of this month, the BPIA has extended its operating schedule from 12 hours (6 a.m.-6 p.m.) to 16 hours (6 a.m-10 p.m.).
The airport operationalized several ground-based navigational equipment, such as distance measuring equipment (DME), localizer antenna, ground-based radio navigational aid, and instrument landing system (ILS) to provide precise and systematic launching and landing of aircraft.
The much-needed ground-based system complements the airport’s existing satellite-based navigation system, which has limited capacity at night and in the occurrence of weather disturbances.
With both navigation systems in operation, more flights can be accommodated at the country’s first “eco-airport.” The influx of additional flights is seen to reduce airfare, provide additional travel options to the people and guests of Bohol province.
The extended hours of operation of the BPIA are part of the airport’s continuing development towards a more efficient operation and optimum use of its facilities, according to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Jim Sydiongco.
“The more flights we can accommodate, the more benefits we can offer to our air passengers. This has always been the focal guidance of Secretary Art Tugade – to enhance the connectivity, mobility and comfort of the Filipino people,” he explained.
For his part, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed enthusiasm over the improvements at the BPIA, noting their impact on the economy of Bohol.
“We do not just stop with building airports. We also continuously upgrade them to truly enhance the travel experience of Filipinos. The improvements we made here at BPIA will ultimately impact on regional economic growth and development. That is what our President meant when he told us to give Filipinos a comfortable life,” he concluded.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade (Photo by Ali Vicoy)
From the beginning of this month, the BPIA has extended its operating schedule from 12 hours (6 a.m.-6 p.m.) to 16 hours (6 a.m-10 p.m.).
The airport operationalized several ground-based navigational equipment, such as distance measuring equipment (DME), localizer antenna, ground-based radio navigational aid, and instrument landing system (ILS) to provide precise and systematic launching and landing of aircraft.
The much-needed ground-based system complements the airport’s existing satellite-based navigation system, which has limited capacity at night and in the occurrence of weather disturbances.
With both navigation systems in operation, more flights can be accommodated at the country’s first “eco-airport.” The influx of additional flights is seen to reduce airfare, provide additional travel options to the people and guests of Bohol province.
The extended hours of operation of the BPIA are part of the airport’s continuing development towards a more efficient operation and optimum use of its facilities, according to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Jim Sydiongco.
“The more flights we can accommodate, the more benefits we can offer to our air passengers. This has always been the focal guidance of Secretary Art Tugade – to enhance the connectivity, mobility and comfort of the Filipino people,” he explained.
For his part, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed enthusiasm over the improvements at the BPIA, noting their impact on the economy of Bohol.
“We do not just stop with building airports. We also continuously upgrade them to truly enhance the travel experience of Filipinos. The improvements we made here at BPIA will ultimately impact on regional economic growth and development. That is what our President meant when he told us to give Filipinos a comfortable life,” he concluded.