Boutique airline Sunlight Air has officially made Clark International Airport (CRK) its new hub with an inaugural flight to Coron on Monday afternoon.

Sunlight Air transferred its hub from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to redefine its services and provide the best experiences for its passengers.

“Our decision to expand our operations to this beautiful and spacious airport is a strong testament to this vision of ours. By operating our flights in Clark, we are not just changing our physical location, we are reaffirming our commitment to enhancing efficiency and convenience for our passengers,” Sunlight Express Airways chief executive officer Ryna Yvette Brito-Garcia said.

Brito-Garcia also told reporters on the sidelines of the event that the airline also wanted to be a first mover in relocating its hub to CRK from NAIA before the main gateway undergoes major rehabilitation.

In 2023, CRK was named by Prix Versailles as one of the 24 world’s most beautiful airports and is also the only airport in Southeast Asia to make it to the list of the prestigious institution.

With its transfer of primary operations to Clark, Sunlight Air now has daily flights to and from Coron and Siargao, twice a week flights to Boracay, and seasonal flights to San Vicente, Palawan.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 Director Richard Daenos said Sunlight Air’s relocation of its hub to CRK is also seen to bring economic opportunities in Central Luzon.

“This potential is being strengthened, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience for travelers. This new hub represents more than just a physical expansion… but also opening new opportunities in tourism and economic growth,” Daenos said.

Moreover, the company also offers chartered flights, which now has a big demand for business-to-business clients as well as for private events like weddings in the country’s major tourism areas, the executive noted.

Brito-Garcia said the airline still maintains its Manila-Cebu route in NAIA.

On April 3, Sunlight Air will also launch new flights from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) going to Coron, Siargao, and Manila.

It will expand its routes in MCIA to Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Caticlan.

Brito-Garcia also said Sunlight Air is also considering international flights.

With its optimistic outlook in the future, the executive said the boutique airline eyes to add one or two aircraft to its fleet in the coming years. (PNA)