MANILA - Philippine Airlines (PAL) has expressed its "full support" to help decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), starting by pulling out its private jets.

In a statement Friday, Lucio Tan, PAL Chairman and Chief Operating Officer said he is moving out his "small fleet of private jets," amid the new government's plan to transfer general aviation to other airports.

"This declaration of support includes moving out of NAIA my small fleet of private jets as gesture of compliance to the Department of Transportation initiative," Tan said.

This comes after Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade vowed to remove general aviation operations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), hoping to give at least 18 to 22 percent additional aviation space to commercial flights.

READ: New transport chief to remove cargo, private planes from NAIA

Tugade had said the new policy will cover air charter, air cargo, aviation training, aircraft maintenance, and corporate flight operations.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) leases the spaces and hangars in the 44-hectare General Aviation Area in NAIA to some general aviation operators.

Tugade said general aviation will be transferred to either Sangley Point in Cavite or Fernando Air Base in Lipa, Batangas.

PAL said it agrees with the plan.

"Any measure to reduce air traffic congestion at NAIA will not only improve airlines' flight schedule reliability but also enhance passenger convenience," Tan said.