In 2012 an air charter company
that ferried tourist travelers between Manila and Batanes was granted an air
operator’s license to upgrade itself into a formal domestic commercial airline.
Thus, Magnum Air Inc. became known as SKYJET Airlines, a “boutique” local air
carrier providing quick links from their hub at the NAIA to top island
destinations such as Batanes, Camiguin and Palawan (two airports). SKYJET has
even attempted to open an overseas route connecting to Taiwan in 2014, but
cancelled following aircraft anomalies on the maiden flight before it could
depart. Five years later the airline is
ready to go international again, armed with a franchise signed by the
President.
The Manila Bulletin reports that Magnum Air SKYJET Inc. now has a new
domestic and international air transport franchise good to last for 25 years,
courtesy of President Rodrigo Duterte. Malacañang confirmed the signing of
Republic Act 11410 regarding the SKYJET license back during August 22, although
the Palace only released the information during the previous week. This gives
SKYJET new approval for operating flights within the Philippines as well as international
connections. The RA 11410 also sets down regulations for the airline to follow,
regarding pricing and stock ownership.
As such, the Republic Act compels
SKYJET to maintain “just and reasonable” prices for passenger tickets, as well
as mail and freight transportation, all of which will then be placed under
review by the Civil Aeronautics Board and other air travel-pertinent government
agencies. In return, the airline has the right to utilize airport terminals and
airfields, build and maintain their own stations for direction-finding and
wireless telegraphy, and get issued radio wavelengths for airline
communication.
One other stipulation in RA 11410
regarding the SKYJET Airlines license is that it must also offer a minimum 30% from
its outstanding capital stock for shareholders. This is in accordance with a
provision in the 1987 Constitution; as an airline, SKYJET is considered a
public utility. Thus like all companies providing public utility services the
carrier must have public participation in its company operations, as embodied
by the shareholders. The stock must be offered at a Philippine-based securities
and exchange commission within five years from when the new franchise is dated
to take effect. Finally, SKYJET now has clearance from the government to enter
into transportation contracts with them, such as ferrying the President or
ranking government officials plus their accompanying delegations to anywhere in
the country or overseas.
President Dino Reyes-Chua of
SKYJET is pleased with the signing of their 25-year franchise, stating that
this will enable their airline to pursue its plans toward fleet expansion and
the opening of new domestic and international destinations in the future.
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