NEWSFLASH

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AIR MACAU SEEKS PERMANENT PERMIT

Manila, April 6, 1998 - Despite the ongoing economic crisis, Air Macau is applying for a permanent operating permit with the Civil Aeronautics Board.

The firm is one of the newcomers in the country's airline industry after its liberalization in 1994. Air Macau, operating on a temporary permit granted last July, flies passengers and cargo twice weekly to Macau.

To date, the airline has been generating a 40% to 50% load factor. This means that the lone A320 that services the Manila-Macau route is, at best, half-filled. In an attempt to garner a larger market share, the airline is considering expanding its flight to thrice weekly.

Instead of resorting to cut-throat competition, the airline will push the Portuguese colony as a tourist spot and gateway to China. Air Macau currently flies passengers to Beijing and Shanghai with Macau as the transit point.

Air Macau targets a 60% to 70% load factor by the end of the year.

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