In a significant milestone for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Bangsamoro Airways is poised to commence operations on 24 April 2024, heralding a new era of regional connectivity and economic development.
Operated by Federal Airways Incorporated, Bangsamoro Airways aims to bridge mainland BARMM with its island provinces, facilitating vital services, enhancing bureaucratic and logistical infrastructure, and fostering economic, tourism, and employment opportunities within the region.
Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) Chairperson, Mohammad Pasigan shared that the airline’s inaugural routes will connect to Zamboanga City and Sulu Province, accommodating six and ten passengers respectively, alongside the flight crew. Plans are underway to expand services to the municipalities of Sibutu and Mapun in Tawi-Tawi within three months of operation, with future routes extending to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, one year later.
Pasigan emphasized the strategic significance of Bangsamoro Airways, anticipating a surge in investor interest drawn by the improved connectivity. Notably, the BARMM has already exceeded its investment target for the fiscal year, attracting investments totaling PHP3.7 billion, primarily concentrated in Islamic banking, tourism, agriculture, marine, and industrial sectors, leading to the creation of 1,155 job opportunities across the region.
Inviting investors to BARMM, Pasigan highlighted the incentives provided under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, designed to spur economic growth. Moreover, Bangsamoro Airways has worked closely with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA) in Cotabato City to ensure regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
Pasigan stressed the airline’s flexibility to serve neighboring BARMM provinces as needed, emphasizing convenience and cost-saving benefits. He underscored the pivotal role of peace and order in attracting investors, urging Bangsamoro residents to uphold a conflict-free environment conducive to economic prosperity.
The launch of Bangsamoro Airways aligns with the priorities outlined by Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, focusing on leveraging the region’s strengths and investing in transportation and communications infrastructure to drive economic development.
With its maiden flight imminent, Bangsamoro Airways stands as a testament to BARMM’s commitment to progress and prosperity, promising to enhance connectivity, spur investment, and propel the region towards a brighter future.