Phl air traffic to hit 66 M by 2028 - IATA

Air traffic in the Philippines is projected to hit 66 million by 2028, driven by government efforts to put up new airports and industry push to expand flight coverage, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

IATA country manager Samuel David said the Philippine aviation industry is on track for higher growth toward the close of the decade due to airport buildup and airline expansion.

Citing a forecast from IATA, David said the country’s air passenger volume is expected to grow by an average of 3.6 percent every year, until it climbs to 66 million by 2028.

David attributed the optimism to the bets made by low-cost carriers in the growth potential of the Philippines. Budget carrier Cebu Pacific, for instance, placed a $24-billion order for the addition of up to 152 jets from aerospace giant Airbus.