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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider DOTr challenged by SONA

DOTr challenged by SONA

Published Jul 26, 2022 08:22 am

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista stated he "feels challenged" by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s marching order during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to modernize the country's transport facilities and upgrade local airports.

The Transport chief vowed to prioritize the enhancements of various airports and elevate them to global standards.

"We will build upon the dozens of aviation-related projects completed in the past administration and identify areas for technical upgrade to allow them to enhance their operational capabilities," he underscored in a statement issued Monday night (July 25).

"The President's order to the DOTr is clear - it's full speed ahead for our transport projects," the Secretary added.

Local airlines also supported the new Marcos administration.

The management of Philippine Airlines (PAL) committed to continue serving the air transport needs of the Filipino people as it had done through the last eight decades.

"We pledge to closely collaborate with the new administration in reviving air travel during this post-pandemic recovery phase, while upholding the highest safety and service standards that PAL pioneered and established," the flag carrier stated.

"PAL will be, as it has always been, government’s strongest ally for the development of the local aviation industry."

Furthermore, "The construction of new international airports will help boost tourism targets, generate economic growth will create employment opportunities in the aviation, travel and tourism industries," remarked Capt. Stanley K. Ng, PAL President and COO.

"New access roads will help these economic benefits to flow into local communities," he went on.

"As industry stakeholders, we welcome and support these plans announced by President Marcos in his State of the Nation Address."

In the same way, "We, at AirAsia Philippines support this administration's vision for a better, reliable and safe air transport through infrastructural development, particularly for the improvement of the existing airports and the establishment of new ones," according to AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan.

"This will help airlines such as AirAsia remain aggressive and competitive in the domestic and international air travel and cargo industry as we serve a greater number of Filipino travelers and Overseas Filipino Workers," he explained.

"The Marcos administration can expect that AirAsia will support its vision by adhering to the highest standards of safety in all of its flights; democratize air travel and experience through various promo offerings in the airasia Super App; and facilitate fleet and route expansion to cater the growing demand of passenger and cargo traffic in the different provinces," he elaborated.

"As this vision materializes, we will complement it with strategic collaborations with tourism stakeholders in initiatives like the a-fest (airasia fiesta) that actively promote the various festivities nationwide."

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DOTR SECRETARY JAIME BAUTISTA LOCAL AIRLINES REACTION TO SONA DOTR REACTION TO SONA
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