Sunlight Air eyes bigger aircraft

Sunlight Air said it plans to acquire large aircraft as the government mandates the removal of turboprop operations from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). “We are already starting our planning sessions for bigger-capacity aircraft. Like any company, we always think about growth. It is definitely in the pipeline,” Sunlight Air CEO Ryna C. Brito-Garcia said during a media event in Makati City late Tuesday. Last month, Sunlight Air announced the acquisition of an ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft as part of its fleet expansion. The model can seat up to 78 passengers. The airline currently operates three ATR 72-500 planes. The recent acquisition will be added to the company’s fleet by early March. Brito-Garcia said Sunlight Air will maximize the March 2026 deadline given to airlines for the transfer of turboprop operations out of NAIA. In April last year, Sunlight Air relocated its hub to Clark International Airport from NAIA, citing the former’s availability of space and advanced technologies.<br/>