Ang Pahayagan

AURORA — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has marked a major milestone in accessibility after recently allowing chartered flights to land directly at its airstrip, a move expected to strengthen investor confidence and connectivity in the ecozone.

The historic first landing took place on August 12, 2025, when National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda arrived to lead the groundbreaking of ₱416 million worth of infrastructure projects in APECO. Shortly after, Anglicotech Philippines, Inc. CEO David Cooper and Country Manager Edmund Rustia flew in aboard a Beech King Air 350i twin turboprop, underscoring the facility’s growing significance to investors.

The airstrip currently operates under a one-time permit (OTP) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) after APECO completed immediate corrective measures. While flights are now possible, each charter is subject to OTP processing.

APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV directed that all corrective actions identified by CAAP be prioritized to secure a Permit-to-Operate (PTO) by year’s end. “Every landing brings us closer to a future where investors can count on reliable air access to Aurora and the Pacific gateway,” he said.

Chartered flights remain limited to a two-week lead time to allow coordination with CAAP, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano, who oversees project implementation, noted that corrective works are ongoing to fully comply with ICAO standards while balancing investor interest.

“This is a transition period,” Taway added. “Investors and even tourists who want to fly directly into APECO can do so, but we are observing a careful process to ensure safety and compliance.”

The operational airstrip is seen as a game-changer for APECO, reducing travel time to just 30 minutes from Manila and showcasing the zone’s potential as a key hub along the country’s eastern seaboard. (Jason de Asis)