Royal Air Philippines

Royal Air Philippines is the operating brand of Royal Air Charter Service, Inc., a Philippine-registered airline established on 22 August 2002. It began as a charter specialist, serving domestic and international markets under charter arrangements rather than operating a broad scheduled network. Its expansion accelerated after the Civil Aeronautics Board granted it authority to provide chartered air services through a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in May 2017. The regulatory approval enabled the airline to increase its domestic and international charter activity and pursue a more substantial commercial role. The airline entered regular scheduled flying in June 2018, initially operating daily service between Cebu and Macau with former SWISS BAe Avro RJ100 aircraft. In July 2018, it also announced work with the Philippine Department of Tourism on a proposed daily charter link between Macau and Subic Bay. Later that month, the Civil Aeronautics Board authorized Royal Air to operate scheduled domestic and international commercial flights. The company subsequently selected Clark International Airport in Pampanga as its principal domestic hub and announced service to Cebu, Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa and San Vicente. Its inaugural scheduled domestic flight, from Clark to Caticlan and return, took place on 14 December 2018. Royal Air broadened its fleet and network through leased aircraft, including Airbus A319s previously operated by Cambodian low-cost carrier Lanmei Airlines. These aircraft supported both domestic commercial flights and international charter programs linking points in Cambodia and China with Philippine destinations such as Clark, Manila, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa. In May 2019, the airline opened a Cebu hub and introduced service to Davao, initially operating four flights per week. In August of the same year, it became the first airline to operate at Cagayan North International Airport when it launched twice-weekly charter flights connecting Macau, Lal-lo in Cagayan and Clark. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted several of the airline’s international charter markets. Royal Air suspended Wuhan–Kalibo charter flights in January 2020 following the outbreak in Wuhan, and temporarily stopped Macau–Lal-lo service later that month. Before and during the pandemic period, the airline continued adjusting its fleet. It added an Airbus A320-200 in January 2020, leased from Minsheng Financial Leasing after previous service with Lanmei Airlines, and deployed it on a Manila–Sihanoukville inaugural flight. Royal Air Philippines also developed airline-industry partnerships and passenger-service features. In August 2020, it announced an arrangement with Sabre Corporation that provided distribution and ticketing-system capabilities. Its passenger proposition included a 7-kilogram hand-carry allowance and a separate 10-kilogram free checked-baggage allowance, as well as access to the Sapphire in-flight entertainment platform through a partnership with Global JD Capital Pte Ltd. By June 2023, Manila International Airport Authority terminal rationalization moved the airline’s domestic operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2 and its international operations to Terminal 1. The airline later operated Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter aircraft for domestic and international cargo services. On 29 December 2025, it was announced that scheduled passenger flights would end on 4 January 2026. Passenger operations ceased on that date, while the continuation of cargo flying was initially not clarified. Flight-tracking information cited in the reference material indicated that cargo flights were still operating as of 6 February 2026. Accordingly, the brand’s post-2026 activity is best characterized as cargo-oriented, although its longer-term corporate status and passenger re-entry plans are not established by the available material.

Royal Air Charter Service, Inc. was established in the Philippines on 22 August 2002 as a charter airline. The company’s early identity was built around arranging and operating charter flights in domestic and international markets. Its regulatory and commercial expansion became more visible in the late 2010s. In May 2017, the Civil Aeronautics Board granted the airline a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for chartered air services, giving it a stronger basis for expanding its charter program. On 21 June 2018, the airline began regular daily Cebu–Macau flights using former SWISS BAe Avro RJ100 aircraft. The company also explored tourism-oriented routes, including a proposed regular charter connection between Macau and Subic Bay developed with the Philippine Department of Tourism. On 26 July 2018, the Civil Aeronautics Board authorized Royal Air to operate scheduled domestic and international commercial flights. The airline then announced a Clark-based scheduled network to Cebu, Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa and San Vicente. Its first scheduled domestic commercial flight operated between Clark and Caticlan on 14 December 2018. The carrier adopted the public-facing Royal Air Philippines identity as it expanded beyond its original charter role. It leased Airbus A319 aircraft from Cambodian low-cost carrier Lanmei Airlines, enabling it to combine scheduled domestic services with international charter flights. These charters connected Cambodia and China with Philippine gateways including Clark, Manila, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa. On 19 May 2019, Royal Air opened a Cebu hub and launched Cebu–Davao service four times per week. On 18 August 2019, it began twice-weekly charters between Macau, Cagayan North International Airport in Lal-lo and Clark. This made it the first airline to operate at Cagayan North International Airport, which had opened in 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the airline’s international development. Royal Air suspended Wuhan–Kalibo charters on 23 January 2020 following the outbreak in Wuhan and temporarily ceased Macau–Lal-lo service on 31 January. Fleet development nevertheless continued. On 6 January 2020, the company added an Airbus A320-200 leased from Minsheng Financial Leasing; the aircraft had previously been operated by Lanmei Airlines. It entered service on 9 January on a Manila–Sihanoukville flight. Royal Air developed operational and commercial infrastructure alongside its route network. Passenger allowances included 7 kilograms of hand baggage and an additional 10-kilogram checked-baggage allowance. The airline also offered in-flight entertainment through the Sapphire In-Flight Entertainment Platform in partnership with Global JD Capital Pte Ltd. In August 2020, it announced a partnership with Sabre Corporation to use Sabre distribution technology for ticketing and sales. In June 2023, Manila International Airport Authority implemented terminal changes under its Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization program. Royal Air’s domestic flights moved from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 to Terminal 2, while international flights moved to Terminal 1. The airline’s later fleet profile included two Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter aircraft used for domestic and international cargo services. On 29 December 2025, Royal Air announced that scheduled passenger flights would be discontinued from 4 January 2026. Passenger operations ended on that date. The available reference material did not establish whether cargo operations would continue, although flight-tracking data reportedly showed cargo flights still operating on 6 February 2026. The airline’s current corporate status, ownership, executive leadership and any future passenger strategy remain undocumented in the supplied sources.

1. 2026Scheduled passenger operations cease

   Royal Air ended scheduled passenger flights on 4 January, with reported cargo flying continuing afterward.

   Source
2. 2023NAIA terminal assignments rationalized

   Domestic operations moved to Terminal 2 and international operations to Terminal 1 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

   Source
3. 2020Airbus A320 added

   The airline introduced its first Airbus A320-200, entering service on a Manila–Sihanoukville route.

   Source
4. 2019Cebu hub launched

   Royal Air opened a Cebu hub and began four-weekly Cebu–Davao flights.

   Source
5. 2018Regular Cebu–Macau service begins

   Royal Air began daily service between Cebu and Macau using BAe Avro RJ100 aircraft.

   Source
6. 2018Scheduled commercial authority received

   The airline received authority to operate scheduled domestic and international commercial flights.

   Source
7. 2018Clark scheduled network inaugurated

   The first scheduled domestic commercial flight operated from Clark to Caticlan on 14 December.

   Source
8. 2017Charter authority granted

   The Civil Aeronautics Board issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for chartered air services.

   Source
9. 2002Company established as a charter airline

   Royal Air Charter Service, Inc. was established in the Philippines on 22 August 2002.

   Source

A Philippine charter-origin airline that expanded into scheduled low-cost-style passenger service and international charter flying, with its later operating profile centered increasingly on cargo.

• Scheduled domestic passenger flightsPassenger air transport2018

  Royal Air Philippines operated scheduled domestic services from Clark and later from Cebu, linking Philippine destinations such as Caticlan, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, San Vicente and Davao. The scheduled passenger network was discontinued effective 4 January 2026.

• International charter flightsCharter air transport2002

  Charter flying was the company’s original business and remained an important part of its international activity. Routes and programs connected Philippine cities with Macau, Cambodia and China, including services involving Clark, Manila, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Sihanoukville and Cagayan North International Airport.

• Cargo servicesAir cargo

  The airline operated domestic and international cargo services using Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter aircraft. Reference material reported cargo flights continuing after scheduled passenger operations ended, although the airline’s longer-term cargo plans are not documented.

• Sapphire In-Flight EntertainmentPassenger amenity

  Royal Air offered onboard entertainment through the Sapphire In-Flight Entertainment Platform, supplied through a partnership with Global JD Capital Pte Ltd.

• 2018Macau–Subic Bay tourism charter proposal

  Macau · Philippines

  Royal Air announced cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism on a proposed daily charter service between Macau and Subic Bay.

  Outcome. The supplied material does not confirm whether the proposed service became a sustained operation.

  Source

• 2026Scheduled passenger operations discontinuedStrategy

  The airline announced on 29 December 2025 that scheduled passenger flights would end in early January 2026.

  What changed. All scheduled passenger operations ceased on 4 January 2026.

  Aftermath. Cargo operations were initially not clarified, although flight-tracking information reportedly showed cargo flights operating in February 2026.

  Source
• 2020Adoption of Sabre distribution technologyStrategy

  The airline needed distribution and ticketing infrastructure to support its commercial passenger operations.

  What changed. Royal Air announced a partnership with Sabre Corporation covering Sabre distribution software.

  Aftermath. The available material does not quantify the operational or commercial impact.

  Source
• 2018Shift from charter operations toward scheduled flyingStrategy

  After operating primarily as a charter airline, Royal Air obtained authority for scheduled commercial domestic and international services.

  What changed. The company established Clark as a scheduled-service hub and launched a domestic network in December 2018.

  Aftermath. The move expanded the brand into scheduled passenger aviation while it continued international charter activity.

  Source

• 2026Passenger flying ends while cargo activity reportedly continues

  Scheduled passenger operations ceased on 4 January 2026. Flight-tracking information cited in the reference material showed cargo flights continuing as of 6 February 2026.

  Other
  Source
• 2025Scheduled passenger operations announced for discontinuation

  An announcement on 29 December stated that Royal Air would discontinue all scheduled passenger flights effective 4 January 2026; the future of its cargo activity was not initially specified.

  Product generation
  Source
• 2023Manila airport terminal assignments change

  Under the Manila airport’s STAR rationalization program, domestic Royal Air flights moved to Terminal 2 and international flights moved to Terminal 1.

  RegulationOther
  Source
• 2020COVID-19 suspends Wuhan and Macau charter links

  The airline suspended Wuhan–Kalibo charter flights after the Wuhan outbreak and temporarily halted Macau–Lal-lo service as the COVID-19 crisis spread.

  Other
  Source
• 2020Sabre distribution partnership announced

  Royal Air announced an arrangement with Sabre Corporation to use Sabre distribution software in its ticketing systems.

  Other
  Source
• 2019Cebu hub opens with Cebu–Davao service

  Royal Air established a Cebu operating hub and introduced four-weekly flights between Cebu and Davao.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2019Royal Air becomes first airline at Cagayan North International Airport

  The carrier inaugurated twice-weekly charter service linking Macau, Cagayan North International Airport in Lal-lo and Clark.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2018Royal Air begins regular Cebu–Macau service

  The airline launched daily scheduled flights between Cebu and Macau using former SWISS BAe Avro RJ100 aircraft.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2018Scheduled commercial authority granted

  The Civil Aeronautics Board authorized Royal Air to operate scheduled domestic and international commercial flights.

  Regulation
  Source
• 2018Royal Air launches scheduled domestic operations from Clark

  The airline began scheduled domestic flying with an inaugural Clark–Caticlan service and announced a network including Cebu, Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa and San Vicente.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2017Royal Air receives authority for charter operations

  The Civil Aeronautics Board issued the airline a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, supporting an increase in domestic and international charter activity.

  Regulation
  Source

1. Royal Air Philippines