MANILA, Philippines – Starting Wednesday, February 17, logistics firm Airfreight 2100 Incorporated (Air21) will be the country's interim premium airport bus service operator, servicing the 3 terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
This was after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) allowed Air21 to operate 7 bus units that will bring passengers to 3 NAIA terminals via two initial routes.
In August last year, LTFRB qualified Air21 as the Philippines' first premium airport bus operator, after bidders Jam Liner Incorporated and Froehlich Tours Incorporated did not meet its financial requirements.
Air21 will offer premium airport services in two bus routes:
- The 24-km NAIA – Roxas Boulevard area including Mall of Asia and Entertainment City, and
- The 18-km NAIA – Makati Central Business District route.
"With the official launch of this airport bus service, LTFRB together with the management of NAIA and Airfreight 2100, we will be able to provide an alternate and convenient transport mode for airline and airport passengers and employees in our 3 key terminals," LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said in a statement.
More premium buses
Under the LTFRB’s notice, Air21 was asked to provide 44 units of modern buses similar to the airport buses in Hong Kong and Singapore equipped with on-board CCTV, Wi-Fi, on-board automated bus arrival electronic display, and announcement system.
But due to "unintentional, uncontrolled and supplier-driver reasons," Air21 filed a petition on February 9, requesting the LTFRB's special permit to operate 7 airport bus units initially.
Under the Public Service Act's Section 17 and because of the request of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Ginez said his office granted Air21's request.
"[We] allowed [Air21] to operate the initial bus units until June 30, 2016," Ginez said.
Air21 has set up an authorized booking office in airport terminals to allow passengers to conveniently buy tickets. – Rappler.com