19 August 2025, Casiguran, Aurora — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) has taken a major step forward in accessibility in recently allowing chartered flights to land directly in the ecozone.

The historic first landing happened on 12 August 2025, when National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda flew in to grace the groundbreaking of PHP416-million worth of infrastructure projects in APECO. 

Following Administrator Almeda’s arrival, Anglicotech Philippines, Inc. executives CEO David Cooper and Country Manager Edmund Rustia also landed at the strip aboard a Beech King Air 350i twin turboprop, marking the facility’s growing relevance to investors. Both with the operation of its airstrip through a one-time permit (OTP) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) after completing some immediate corrective measures. While the airstrip is operational, flights are still being processed under OTP. 

APECO President and CEO Gil Taway IV instructed for the completion of all corrective actions needed identified by CAAP in their inspection of the airport to be the top priority, with the goal of securing a Permit-to-Operate (PTO). 

He added that APECO targets to complete these requirements by the end of the year and move forward with the application for a PTO this third quarter and to continue ongoing corrective actions.

“Every landing brings us closer to a future where investors can count on reliable air access to Aurora and the Pacific gateway,” PCEO Taway said. 

In the meantime, chartered flights are limited to a strict two-week lead time for processing, to allow relevant authorities to issue the necessary permits for each landing and for coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. 

Deputy Administrator Angelo Gabriel D. Mantuano oversees the project implementation for corrective measures and processing of OTP applications.

“We are currently performing the corrective actions needed to fully comply with ICAO standards, but we also want to accommodate interested investors. We just need to give a bit of lead time to relevant authorities since this is the first time in years that the airstrip is operating,” Mantuano said.

“This is a transition period,” Pres. Taway added. “Investors and even tourists who want to fly directly into APECO can do so, but we are observing a careful process to ensure safety and compliance.”

The operational airstrip is seen as a game-changer for APECO’s locators and prospective investors, cutting travel time down to a 30 minute flight from Manila and showcasing the zone’s potential as a hub along the country’s eastern seaboard.