MANILA -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is celebrating its 11th year this month, and vows to support the administration’s plans for progress in the aviation sector, spokesperson Eric Apolonio said Tuesday.
"CAAP wants to endeavor safety in aviation through better regulations and practices. We will continue supporting the administration's plans for progress in the aviation sector," Apolonio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
He added that the public can expect CAAP to continue its mission of ensuring a "safe, secure, green, and efficient Philippine skies."
Among the major achievements of CAAP for the past 11 years, he said, are the inauguration of the country's first eco airport; the launch of Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system; the Philippines regaining the Category 1 rating from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and the lifting of the ban on local carriers from flying to Europe.
In 2018, the country's first eco airport, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, officially opened. It features green and sustainable structures, solar panels, and motion sensor lighting, among others.
The CNS/ATM system, on the other hand, enhances the safety and efficiency of air traffic, enabling a more definite aircraft identification and better airspace management. This was also inaugurated last year.
According to Apolonio, the Philippines regained the Category 1 rating from the FAA in 2014. "Category 1 (means) standard safety procedure is being followed. Under this category, (local carriers) can operate and request for more flights," he explained.
The executive added that only Philippine Airlines (PAL) was allowed to fly to the US while the country is under Category 2 rating. "However, they (PAL) could not add flights or replace aircraft that are registered in the US," Apolonio said.
In 2015, the European Union (EU) also lifted its ban on Philippine carriers from flying to Europe, he said.
Philippine carriers were banned from flying to European airspace in 2010 due to their failure to meet international safety standards, Apolonio said, adding that PAL and Cebu Pacific's ban was lifted in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
"The 2015 ban removal lifted the ban of the remaining Philippine carriers," he said.
"These are the results of CAAP's compliance to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and its consistent efforts to improve the status of the country's aviation sector internationally," he said.
Meanwhile, in line with its anniversary, CAAP will hold a cleanup drive, sports fest and fun run this month. (PNA)
