SkyJet Airlines is a small boutique airline serving tourist destinations in the Philippines from the capital Manila. Their all-jet service is usually the only or most convenient airline to server their destinations. Find out all about their fleet, destinations and service experience on the ground and onboard from my snapshot review!
Facts & Figures: SkyJet Airlines was launched in 2012 serves only 4 destinations from Manila’s Domestic Terminal NAIA T4: Basco (Batanes), Caticlan (Boracay), Siargao and Coron (Palawan). All of those are popular destinations! SkyJet uses a fleet of 4 British Aerospace BAe 146 jets, also called “Jumbolino” for their four engines – the plane also used by the British Royal Family!
SkyJet doesn’t have a safety rating or SkyTrax quality rating. They had one accident (without any injuries) and very temporarily blocked from flying by Filipino authorities (safety or political reasons – nobody knows!).
The Experience: SkyJet Airlines advertises as a “boutique airline” and attempts to offer service a step above their local competitors. They offer jet-service where Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific don’t fly non-stop or typically use turboprob planes, making them a convenient alternative. You can book tickets online or through local travel agents. There is no online check-in.
Each passenger is allowed one piece of checked luggage of 10kg and a carry-on luggage of 5kg. Both pieces will be weighed at the airport and limits are strictly enforced! An additional 10kg can be purchased online for PHP800 ($16) as well as sports equipment.
Onboard the short and stubby Jumbolino, you find 80 seats in a 3-3 layout, with reasonably comfortable seats. There is no entertainment, so bring your own.
The flight attendants are very friendly and serve a snack and drink, even on their shortest flights.
Bottomline: If you are planning a trip to the Philippines, SkyJet can be a pleasant and convenient alternative to some of the best islands in the country, like Boracay, Coron or Siargao. If their schedule works for you and you find a good price, I’d not hesitate to fly with them. Their departures from Terminal 4 are not convenient for connections from international flights, but fine if you are planning a stay in Manila!