IBA, Zambales — South Phoenix Airways, a company owned by the Ayala Corporation, will soon launch domestic flights between Iba, Zambales and Metro Manila, officials of the company said during the formal lunching of its commemorative flight at the Sun Valley Landing Field here.

The proposed domestic flights between Iba and Metro Manila are expected to become operational this year, and South Phoenix is eyeing to serve both domestic and international tourists through local and even international flights.

The ceremonial commemorative flight was led by Zambales Governor Amor Deloso together with officials of the Provincial Tourism Office. Various local government units and Southwest Airlines also joined the event.

“Layunin ng air flight na palakasin ang kalakarang pang turismo kung saan sa maikling 20-30 minuto ay agad mararating ang lalawigan ng Zambales, partikular sa bayang ito, mula sa National Capital Region,” Deloso said.

"Welcome to the province; maganda at magkakaroon na ng madaliang paglalakbay at natutuwa naman ako sakaling matuloy. Nasa kanila ang suporta ko," the governor said.

Capt. Ramon Torres of South Phoenix explained that the Iba-Metro Manila route has undergone two years of feasibility studies.

Torres cited the overwhelming participation of local government officials and Municipal Tourism Officer Danilo Timbol of Iba in the development of the forthcoming Iba-Manila flight route.

The airline is looking at a minimum of three daily flights, three times a week. The route will shorten travel between Metro Manila and Iba to only 20 minutes.