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MANILA -- Local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) have both registered high average on-time performance (OTP) from Manila in October, Civil Aeronautics Board's (CAB) data showed.
PAL has achieved an average of 92 percent OTP, notably higher than its average OTP of 80 percent, 82 percent, and 89 percent from July to September.
"Initiatives are (also) being carried out by the flag carrier to enhance OTP across its domestic and international operations in different hubs," PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said on Monday.
In a statement, Stanely Ng, PAL senior vice president for Airline Operations, attributed the higher OTP to the presence of the rapid exit taxiways at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), enhanced air navigation systems, renovated runways, and improved coordination of slots.
NAIA has opened two new rapid exit taxiways in September 2018, enabling aircraft to exit and go to the four terminals of NAIA faster. NAIA now has a total of four taxiways that could accommodate both small and wide-bodied aircraft.
The country's new air navigational system -- the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), on the other hand, has been fully operational since July. It enhances the safety and efficiency of air traffic, enabling a more definite aircraft identification and better airspace management, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio said.
Meanwhile, CEB's average OTP from Manila was 84.71 percent, higher than its average of 80.66 percent in September.
The carrier attributed the improvement to coordination efforts of the government, as well as better coordination during weather disruptions.
OTP is being measured by number of departures and arrivals that take place in less than 15 minutes after scheduled departure and arrival times, including cancellations.
Misuse of slots is being monitored CAB, CAAP, the Manila International Airport Authority, and an independent slot coordinator. (PNA)
