Duterte approves SkyJet-Magnum Air franchise

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law an act granting Magnum Air Inc., the operator of SkyJet Airlines, a 25-year franchise.

Republic Act No. 11410 was signed by Duterte on August 22, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Thursday.

The franchise authorized Magnum Air to establish, operate and maintain transport services “for the carriage of passengers, mails, goods and property by air, both domestic and international.”

Air transport services include the maintenance and operation of hangars and aircraft services stations and facilities and other services of similar nature.

The boutique airline must secure the required certificates, permits and licenses from the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

The law also said all aircraft, accessories and equipment owned by Magnum Air should “at all times” be airworthy and the crew members must have government-issued licenses.

Magnum Air started operations in December 2012 and is offering flights from Manila to Batanes, Coron, Boracay and Siargao. It uses a fleet of 80-seater BAE-146 produced by the British Aerospace. —Virgil Lopez/VDS, GMA News