MANILA - AirAsia Philippines is looking to move its international flights to Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by July. Talks are still underway with the Manila International Airport Authority when the transfer would actually happen.

First Officer Steve Dailisan, Spokesperson for AirAsia Philippines, said there is a need to transfer its international operations from NAIA Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 for operational efficiency. AirAsia’s domestic flights are in Terminal 2 which is nearer to Terminal 1.

Dailisan explained that their aircraft fly both domestic and international routes, and moving one plane from terminal 2 to terminal 3 and vise versa could be time consuming and costly as well. Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are on the opposite side of the NAIA compound, while Terminal 1 is just beside Terminal 2.

Reducing aircraft movement on the taxi way can also help other airlines, he said. This would also benefit passengers because, in some instances, there won’t be a need for passengers to ride a bus going to another terminal just to board the flight.

“Ito po ay malaki ang maitutulong para sa aming on-time performance, pagdating sa fuel efficiency, and sa pag optimize ng mga taxi ways,” said Dailisan.

(The transfer would be a big help when it comes to on-time performance, fuel efficiency, and so that taxi ways can be optimized well.)

Aside from eyeing NAIA Terminal 1, AirAsia also plans to expand its hub at Kalibo International Airport and Clark International Airport. They are expecting to have additional aircraft on its fleet this year.

“We would want to open our hubs- Clark and Kalibo hubs natin kaya kailangan natin piloto to support our expansion plans,” Dailisan added.

The airline is now hiring at least 20 pilots. 70 applicants underwent the exam and interview process this week, in time also for World Pilots Day.

“Marami nag-aapply as pilots. Marami diyan galing sa general aviation, galing rin sa military na nag-iipon ng oras. Nakabalik na ang demand for air travel at yung Pilipinas bilang isang archipelagic country, it would really require pilots,” he asserted.

(Many are applying as pilots. Many came from general aviation, some from the military earning their flying hours. Demand for air travel has returned and the Philippines as an archipelagic country would require more pilots.)