Story ID: 
Philippines Telecom Forms Air Charter Firm
By: Neelam Mathews
Caption: Philippines Telecom's King Air 350 and Leonardo AW139 and Bell 429 helicopters previously used in house will now be offered for charter.
Word Count: 165
Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT), the largest telecom company in the country and part of the conglomerate MVP Group, has spun off its flight department and launched air charter firm Pacific Global One. Its Beechcraft King Air 350 turboprop twin and Leonardo AW139 and Bell 429 helicopters previously used in house will now be offered for charter from the general aviation area at Manila International Airport. The company has retained its Global 5000 for internal use. The nation has approximately 25 charter companies.

PLDT made the decision to form the air charter company following a rise in demand for upmarket tourism and business travel, to increase its revenue stream and in an effort to cut maintenance costs.

The Manila International Airport Authority leases out space and hangars in the general aviation area to operators engaged in air charter, air cargo, aviation training, aircraft maintenance and corporate flight operations. An independent airport subsystem, the area can accommodate airplanes ranging from piston singles to bizliners.