TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan—The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has given the Cagayan North International Airport a Global Express certificate to accommodate bigger airplanes.
Jose Mari Ponce, administrator and chief executive officer of Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, said CAAP has issued the new certificate which will allow the operations of Global Express aircraft category and below (Code 3C).
“This means that, from the previous permit limiting the operations under Code 2C [29-seater aircraft and below], the Airport can now cater to 100-seater and below aircraft,” Ponce said.
He said that with the new certificate, Ceza can now invite bigger aircraft operators in the P1.6-billion airport.
“We have been aggressive in inviting investors to locate in the area and a big airline firm has already expressed interest to provide regular commercial flights to and from the Airport,” Ponce said.
He said a negotiation is ongoing with the airline company because “our intention is to open the airport to commercial flights as soon as possible,” Ponce said.
Meanwhile, Ceza public relations chief Joyce Marie Calimag said CAAP has granted the said certificate following a satisfactory inspection on the airport’s facilities and on other requirements.
Calimag said the airport project involves the development of a fully operational international airport that is able to accommodate larger aircraft and international flights.
She said the airport is a vital component in the operation of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port with its 2.1-kilometer long and 45-meter wide runway which can accommodate up to 320 airbuses.
The Cagayan airport is a two-hour drive from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley’s regional center.