MORE NEWS, ILOCOS SUR

Airline flights opened in Vigan
By Freddie Lazaro

VIGAN CITY — Regular flights of inter-island commercial airlines officially started at the Mindoro-Vigan domestic airport here last week.

At least a twice-a-week travel has been set by Inter-Island Airlines Co. on its 60-seat airplane. Its flight schedules are as follows:

From Manila domestic airport to Vigan, every Thursday and Sunday afternoon from 4 to 5:15, and the return flight from Vigan to Manila, every Friday and Monday morning from 7 to 8:15.

During the inaugural flight of the 60-seat Inter-Island Airlines plane last Thursday March 18, the aircraft landed at 5:45 p.m. Aboard the inaugural flight were 34 passengers led by Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor "DV" B. Savellano and Rep. Ronald V. Singson.

Residents, government officials, businessmen, local media people and students trooped to the domestic airport to welcome the first flight of the commercial airline in Vigan.

Savellano said it was a breakthrough for the province of Ilocos Sur to have commercial flights at the Mindoro-Vigan Airport..

The fare for one-way travel is P3,450.

"Our province, which is considered as heritage province due to its UNESCO recognized sites such as the Sta. Maria church and the century-old houses in Vigan City has a lot to show when it comes to tourism. With the flights of domestic airlines at the Mindoro-Vigan airport, this will hasten the visit of tourists here," Savellano said.

"With the flights of Inter-Island Airlines, the province of Ilocos Sur and Vigan City will become more accessible to foreign and domestic tourists and investors, and this will contribute to the improvement of our trade and industries," Savellano said.

Savellano added if more tourists arrive in the province, the private transport sector and producers of unique local products will be greatly benefited, and so the operations of commercial flights at the local airport will generate jobs and income for the residents.