Kalibo, Aklan — Airplanes coming from major places of the country and recently, even from South Korea and China can now land at Kalibo Airport even at night.

Airport Manager Engr. Percy Malonesio of the Air Transportation Office here said that airplanes can now land until 9:00 p.m. at Kalibo Airport and his office has given notice to concerned airlines and other agencies of this recent development.

Engr. Malonesio said nightlanding is now possible with the installation of the Instrument landing system and runway lights.

“There is also a prevailing proposal to make Kalibo Airport an international gateway with airplanes already flying directly to Kalibo from other countries. However, there is a need to extend the length of the runway so direct flights using bigger planes could land at the same time.

The airport is also seen to have a new passenger terminal next year for use of passengers brought to Aklan through international flights. Presently, the terminal, besides catering to outgoing and incoming passengers, also hosts display areas of Aklan’s food products and other services.

Engr. Malonesio, however, appreciates that Aklan products are displayed in the area to give tourists a chance to sample the goods of Aklan, especially loom-woven products, which he says enjoy brisk sales in the area.

Once the new terminal is in place, staff from the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs and quarantine will also be designated permanently in the airport, according to Malonesio. Booths or shops could also be accommodated there for the benefit of passengers.

“The Air Transportation Office is also keen in keeping terrorists or terror acts away by installing a perimeter fence in front of the airport to prevent untoward incidents. The X-Ray machine to detect deadly weapons and other prohibited items is also in good shape, and the Aviation Security Group is always alert,” Malonesio revealed.

Presently, the Air Transportation Office is encouraging Aklanons to apply for its 35th Air Navigation Systems Specialists and 13th Basic Air Traffic Service courses.

Engr. Malonesio said this is a chance for Aklanons as he is sure that some of those qualified could be assigned in Aklan, given that many improvements will be implemented at the Kalibo Airport with budgets already available, plus additional budgets contained in the 2008 National Budget through the representation of Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores.

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