In an aviation industry often driven by scale and speed, Sunlight Air is taking a more measured route. The boutique carrier is building its business around efficiency, discipline, and destination depth, convinced that smarter operations can deliver both commercial returns and environmental gains.
“This optimizes our level of fuel consumption, and because of that, we are able to reduce our carbon footprint altogether and avoid excessive fuel burn,” Sunlight Air president and chief executive officer Candice Brito-Garcia told Context.PH in an interview.
For a small airline, fuel efficiency is not just a sustainability goal but a core financial strategy, helping shield the business from volatile energy costs.
The airline approach extends beyond aircraft utilization. Sunlight Air continues to invest heavily in its workforce, with pilots, cabin crew, and ground personnel undergoing rigorous initial and recurrent training.
Programs are aligned with Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations and aircraft manufacturer standards, covering simulator sessions, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and regular proficiency checks.
The objective is consistent performance across the network, regardless of route size or seasonality.
Service culture is another key pillar. The airline has institutionalized what it calls “The Sunlight Way,” an internal framework designed to deliver a calm, caring, and reliable passenger experience, particularly during irregular operations. Brito-Garcia said the company encourages continuous learning, structured feedback, and leadership development to ensure accountability at all levels.
As a boutique carrier, Sunlight Air differentiates itself by integrating air travel with tourism. Through Sunlight Vacations, passengers can book flights, accommodations, and tours directly on the airline website, in partnership with local resorts and tour operators. This model allows the airline to capture more value per traveler while supporting local tourism ecosystems.
The strategy is especially visible in destinations such as Palawan and Siquijor, where the airline works closely with local government units and tourism offices to stimulate demand. Brito-Garcia cited collaborations behind routes such as Busuanga and Siquijor, as well as promotional efforts like the annual Grand Travel Fests held in Cebu and Clark. These initiatives help build awareness and smooth the ramp up of new routes.
Operational reliability remains non negotiable. “Our passengers’ and crew’s safety is always our top priority, and our business decisions are driven by what is best for them,” Brito-Garcia said.
Digital tools are reinforcing the strategy. The Sunlight Air app allows passengers to manage bookings, receive journey updates, and track rewards through Sunlight Miles. The focus is on simplicity and ease of use to encourage repeat travel.
In 2025, Sunlight Air recorded strong domestic demand, with passengers split at roughly 55 percent local and 45 percent foreign, many from South Korea. Brito-Garcia said growing interest among Filipinos in exploring the country, amplified by social media driven travel trends, supports the airline confidence that demand will continue to rise as more destinations become accessible.
