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 airline and later expanded into scheduled domestic services, international charter operations, and cargo flying. The company received authority from the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board to provide chartered air services in May 2017 and was subsequently authorized to operate scheduled commercial domestic and international flights in July 2018. The airline entered regular scheduled operations in 2018. It inaugurated a Cebu–Macau service on 21 June 2018 using former SWISS BAe Avro RJ100 aircraft and later announced plans for charter links between Macau and Subic Bay. In late 2018, the carrier prepared a broader domestic network from Clark International Airport, serving destinations including Cebu, Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, and San Vicente. Its first scheduled domestic commercial flight took place on 14 December 2018, operating from Clark to Caticlan and returning to Clark. Royal Air Philippines expanded its fleet through leased aircraft, including Airbus A319s previously operated by Cambodian low-cost carrier Lanmei Airlines. These aircraft supported domestic flying and charter services connecting destinations in the Philippines with points in Cambodia and China. The airline also developed a Cebu hub, launching a Cebu–Davao route in May 2019 with four weekly flights. In August 2019, it began twice-weekly charter operations linking Macau, Cagayan North International Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan, and Clark. That service made Royal Air Philippines the first airline to operate at Cagayan North International Airport, which had opened in 2016. The airline added an Airbus A320-200 in January 2020. The aircraft, formerly operated by Lanmei Airlines, was leased from Minsheng Financial Leasing and entered service on a Manila–Sihanoukville route. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the carrier's international charter network: flights between Wuhan and Kalibo were suspended in January 2020, and Macau–Lal-lo services were temporarily stopped later that month. Royal Air Philippines has also offered passenger amenities and technology services associated with a small scheduled carrier. Passengers received a 7-kilogram hand-carry allowance together with a 10-kilogram complimentary checked-baggage allowance. The airline introduced in-flight entertainment through the Sapphire In-Flight Entertainment Platform in partnership with Global JD Capital Pte Ltd and announced a 2020 partnership with Sabre Corporation for distribution and ticketing technology. In June 2023, Manila International Airport Authority terminal assignments moved the carrier's domestic operations from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2 and its international operations to Terminal 1 under the airport's Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization program. By October 2024, the airline's listed fleet included two Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter aircraft. 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 continuity of cargo services was initially unclear. Flight-tracking information cited in the reference material indicated that cargo flights were still operating in February 2026, so the brand's post-passenger business is best characterized as cargo-focused, subject to confirmation from the airline or regulators.

Royal Air Charter Service, Inc. was established in the Philippines on 22 August 2002 as a charter airline. For many years its business centered on arranging and operating charter flights rather than maintaining a broad scheduled network. A significant regulatory step came in May 2017, when the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board granted the company a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for chartered air services. This authorization supported an expansion of charter activity in both domestic and international markets. The company began moving toward scheduled airline operations in 2018. On 21 June, it introduced regular daily flights between Cebu and Macau using former SWISS BAe Avro RJ100 aircraft. It also worked with the Philippine Department of Tourism on a proposed daily charter service between Macau and Subic Bay. On 26 July 2018, the Civil Aeronautics Board authorized the company to operate scheduled commercial domestic and international flights. By September, the airline had announced plans for scheduled domestic services from Clark International Airport to Cebu, Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, and San Vicente. The scheduled passenger era began on 14 December 2018 with an inaugural Clark–Caticlan flight. Royal Air Philippines expanded its aircraft resources by leasing two Airbus A319s from Cambodian low-cost carrier Lanmei Airlines. These aircraft supported domestic commercial operations and charter flights from Cambodia and China to Philippine gateways including Clark, Manila, Kalibo, and Puerto Princesa. The network strategy combined tourism-oriented international charters with point-to-point domestic routes from secondary Philippine airports. In May 2019, Royal Air Philippines announced the opening of a Cebu hub and launched Cebu–Davao service at a frequency of four flights per week. In August of the same year, it began twice-weekly charter flights between Macau, Cagayan North International Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan, and Clark. The operation gave the airline a notable place in the history of Cagayan North International Airport because it was the first airline to serve the facility, which had opened in 2016. The airline's network was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On 23 January 2020, it suspended charter flights between Wuhan and Kalibo following the outbreak. On 31 January, it temporarily stopped the Macau–Lal-lo charter service. Before the pandemic's effects fully reshaped regional aviation, the carrier added an Airbus A320-200. The aircraft had previously flown for Lanmei Airlines, was leased from Minsheng Financial Leasing, and entered Royal Air Philippines service on 9 January 2020 with a Manila–Sihanoukville inaugural flight. Alongside its flight network, the airline developed passenger-service and distribution capabilities. Its published passenger allowance included 7 kilograms of hand baggage and a further 10 kilograms of complimentary checked baggage. It 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, giving it access to Sabre distribution software for ticketing and related systems. By June 2023, the airline's Manila operations were reassigned within Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Domestic flights moved from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2, while international flights moved to Terminal 1 under the Manila International Airport Authority's Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization program. The carrier later operated Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter aircraft, reflecting the importance of cargo in its business mix. On 29 December 2025, Royal Air Philippines announced that it would discontinue all scheduled passenger flights effective 4 January 2026. Passenger services ceased on that date. At the time of the announcement, no definitive information was provided about whether the cargo business would continue. The reference material reports that flight-tracking data showed cargo flights still operating as of 6 February 2026. Accordingly, the brand's history currently ends with a transition away from scheduled passenger aviation toward an uncertain but apparently continuing cargo operation.

• 2026

  Scheduled passenger operations end

  [1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Passenger flights cease on 4 January; reported cargo operations may continue.

• 2023

  NAIA terminal reassignment

  [1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Domestic and international operations are reassigned to Terminals 2 and 1 respectively under the Manila airport rationalization program.

• 2020

  A320 added amid pandemic disruption

  [1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  A leased Airbus A320 enters service, while COVID-19 causes the suspension of Wuhan–Kalibo and Macau–Lal-lo charter operations.

• 2019

  Cebu hub and Cagayan North service

  [1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Royal Air Philippines opens a Cebu hub, launches Cebu–Davao flights, and becomes the first airline to operate at Cagayan North International Airport.

• 2018

  Scheduled commercial authorization and launch

  [1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  The airline receives scheduled-flight authority, opens planned Clark routes, and operates its first scheduled domestic flight from Clark to Caticlan in December.

• 2017

  Charter-service authorization granted

  [1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

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

• 2002

  Royal Air Charter Service is established

  [1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Royal Air Charter Service, Inc. is established in the Philippines as a charter airline.

A Philippine regional airline positioned around charter flying, domestic connectivity, international leisure and tourism routes, and cargo operations.

• Passenger aviation · 2018

  Scheduled domestic passenger flights

  Royal Air Philippines operated scheduled point-to-point domestic services linking Philippine gateways such as Clark, Cebu, Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa, San Vicente, and Davao. The scheduled passenger business began with the Clark–Caticlan service in December 2018 and later included Cebu-based flying. All scheduled passenger operations ended on 4 January 2026.

• Charter aviation · 2002

  International charter flights

  Charter flying was the airline's original business and included routes connecting Macau, Cambodia, China, and Philippine destinations. Examples included Macau–Subic proposals, Cambodia- and China-originating charters to Philippine tourism gateways, Wuhan–Kalibo, and Macau–Cagayan North–Clark services.

• Air cargo

  Air cargo services

  The airline operates or has operated domestic and international cargo services. Its later fleet included two Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter aircraft. Cargo operations were reportedly continuing after scheduled passenger flights ended, although the airline's formal long-term cargo status requires confirmation.

• Airline ancillary services · 2020

  Passenger service and distribution products

  Passenger offerings included a 7-kilogram hand-carry allowance, a 10-kilogram complimentary checked-baggage allowance, and in-flight entertainment supplied through the Sapphire In-Flight Entertainment Platform. A Sabre partnership supported ticket distribution and airline reservation technology.

• 2025

  Discontinuation of scheduled passenger flightsStrategy

  Background

  The airline announced a major change in its operating model at the end of 2025.

  Action taken

  It announced that all scheduled passenger flights would stop effective 4 January 2026.

  Aftermath

  Passenger operations ended in January 2026, while the future and continuity of cargo operations were initially not specified.

  Source

• 2020

  Addition of Airbus A320-200Other

  Background

  The airline expanded its fleet while developing international passenger and charter routes.

  Action taken

  It leased a former Lanmei Airlines Airbus A320-200 from Minsheng Financial Leasing and placed it into service on the Manila–Sihanoukville route.

  Aftermath

  The aircraft supported the carrier's international network before the pandemic disrupted regional travel.

  Source

• 2019

  Opening of a Cebu hubStrategy

  Background

  The airline sought to expand beyond its Clark base and improve connectivity within the Philippine domestic market.

  Action taken

  Royal Air Philippines launched Cebu–Davao flights four times weekly and announced Cebu as a hub.

  Aftermath

  The decision added a second operating focus and supported intercity service outside Manila and Clark.

  Source

• 2018

  Transition from charter operator to scheduled airlineStrategy

  Background

  After operating primarily as a charter carrier, Royal Air Philippines obtained scheduled commercial authority and planned a Clark-centered domestic network.

  Action taken

  The airline launched scheduled passenger operations with a Clark–Caticlan inaugural flight and added routes to other Philippine destinations.

  Aftermath

  The move broadened the brand from a charter specialist into a scheduled regional airline.

  Source

• 2026

  Passenger operations cease while cargo activity reportedly continues[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Royal Air Philippines stopped passenger operations on 4 January. Flight-tracking information cited in the reference material indicated that cargo flights continued in February, although the airline's formal operating status was not independently confirmed.

• 2025

  Scheduled passenger operations discontinued[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The airline announced on 29 December that all scheduled passenger flights would end on 4 January 2026. The future of cargo operations was not initially clarified.

• 2023

  Manila airport terminal assignments change[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Regulation · Other

  Under Manila International Airport Authority's STAR program, domestic flights moved to Terminal 2 and international flights moved to Terminal 1.

• 2020

  COVID-19 disrupts Wuhan–Kalibo and Macau–Lal-lo charter services[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The airline suspended Wuhan–Kalibo charter flights after the COVID-19 outbreak and temporarily halted Macau–Lal-lo operations later in January.

• 2020

  Airbus A320 enters Royal Air Philippines service[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Product generation

  A former Lanmei Airlines Airbus A320-200, leased from Minsheng Financial Leasing, entered service on a Manila–Sihanoukville route.

• 2020

  Royal Air Philippines partners with Sabre[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The airline announced an agreement enabling it to use Sabre distribution software in its ticketing systems.

• 2019

  Cebu hub and Cebu–Davao route launched[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  Royal Air Philippines announced the opening of a Cebu hub and began four-weekly flights between Cebu and Davao.

• 2019

  Royal Air Philippines becomes first airline at Cagayan North International Airport[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

  The carrier started twice-weekly charter flights linking Macau, Cagayan North International Airport, and Clark.

• 2018

  Royal Air Philippines begins regular Cebu–Macau service[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Product launch

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

• 2018

  Scheduled commercial authority granted[1]Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org

  Regulation

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

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1. 1Royal Air Philippinesen.wikipedia.org