Island Aviation (SOY, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire two new DHC-6-400s from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. The acquisition signals the return of the Twin Otter aircraft type to the Philippines where Island Aviation will use the planes to fly between Pamalican and Manila.
"We selected the Twin Otter to support our operations because of its long record of in-service reliability and low operating cost,” said Emmanuel Generoso, chief operating officer at Island Aviation. The airline holds a Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued air operator's certificate and is a registered scheduled and non-scheduled operator.
De Havilland Canada says they have now delivered over 140 of the short take-off and landing (STOL) utility Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft to customers worldwide. The aircraft type, which can seat 19 passengers and offers flexible quick-change interior options, has a solid reputation for its island hopping and short commuter flight capabilities.
According to Island Aviation's website, the carrier presently operates three 19-seat Dornier Do228s. The airline is the general aviation arm of the A. Soriano Group of Companies, which is a holding company with a range of investments across multiple industries, including tourism. Another A. Soriano Group subsidiary called Ansco owns a 62% stake in the Amanpulo Resort on the Philippine island of Pamalican, around 360 kilometres south of Manila. The bulk of Island Aviation's business appears to be flying resort guests to and from Manila.
