SAN JOSE, Antique – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of this province passed a resolution requesting the Department of Transportation and Community to recommend for domestic flights at Evelio B. Javier domestic airport here.

The resolution cited the number of residents here that go to Manila several times a month for business transactions and other purposes.

It says that including Antique in the flight destinations of local airlines would also encourage investors and tourists to visit the place, which would in turn boost the local economy.

To note, Antique has an existing airport with upgraded facilities which has been evaluated as ready for operations.

In 2004, it was learned that the Asian Spirit and Zestair operated in the airport and services passengers from Antique to Manila, and vice versa.

However, due to lack of passengers patronizing the airlines which resulted to loss of income, the firms were forced to stop their operations.

The resolution noted the inconvenience and cost of travelling to Cabatuan, Iloilo just to go to Manila.

To assure passenger patronage, the SP enjoined all mayors and constituents as well as businessmen to patronize the airport operations to boost income and to enable firms sustain their operations.*PIA