We were invited to go to the launching of new menus of Best Western Hotel and Spencers Gastropub, both located in Subic. To get there, we booked a flight with Air Juan.

I didn’t know that there was an available seaplane flight going to Subic. It wasn’t my first time though, since I already boarded one in Victoria, Canada. Taking a seaplane flight in the Philippines was a different story and I thought it could really be a good idea to take one through Air Juan.

In this article, I’d like to share my experience on my trip through Air Juan and the details you might need to know about their services.

What is Air Juan?

Air Juan is an air charter organized in 2012 which catered only to companies and businesses. It was only in 2014 that the Air Juan opened their charter flights to all. Their first route was from Puerto Princesa to Cuyo and Coron, both in Palawan. Their success in 2014 led them to expand their reach. In 2015, they acquired two new seaplanes and added a new route, Coron, Palawan to Caticlan, Boracay. Currently, their primary hubs are in Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Cebu. Their landplane routes include Boracay, Coron, Cuyo, and Iloilo. Their seaplane destinations include Baler, Boracay, Busuanga, Puerto Galera, Marinduque and Subic. Expansion plans are also at works which may include Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales, Camaya Coast in Bataan, Punta Fuego in Batangas, Caramoan in Bicol, and more new destinations.

How to Book

Air Juan offers three fare classes, Early Bird, Saver and Full classes. The full class has the highest priority accommodation. All fare classes have insurance and 10 kgs. baggage allowance. For excess baggage, the Air Juan charges P100 per additional kilo. Only the Full class has an additional 23 kgs. Baggage allowance but depending on the availability.

You can book through their website www.airjuan.com. You can also call them at +632 718-8111 or make a reservation by emailing, reservations@airjuan.com.

Before Boarding

30 minutes before the flight, you should already be at the terminal. Their terminal is located at the F. Ma Guerrero St, Pasay, Metro Manila, behind the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and Folk Arts Theatre.

When you need a snack, there’s a sari-sari store outside. They have a lounge where you can stay. It is also where pilots stay before the flight. I noticed though that most of the pilots are foreigners. I only saw one Filipino as a first officer during our flight back to Manila. I believe that’s a good news.

When you check in your luggage, your weight will also be taken. We got caught off guard because we weren’t ready to be weighed in. But don’t worry, the crew said she won’t tell. And, yes, the crew was friendly.

On Board

We got on board the Air Juan’s Cessna Grand Caravan Seaplane. It has seatings for nine passengers and two pilots. Judging by the seaplane’s external appearance and flight decks, it still looks new. There was nothing to worry about the flight.

When we took off, we got to see the stunning cityscape view of Manila. Then, we got a good overview of Bataan and SCTEX. In Subic, we landed at the airport. It only took us 20 minutes to reach Subic. And, going back was the same. We got an early flight going back to Manila. It was 6:30 am. Before 7:00 am, we were already in Manila. It was too early for us but I guess, at least, we could still get to go straight to our work.

Recommendation

I can give Air Juan Seaplane a five star. Their seaplanes are high-tech and still look new. Their pilots and ground crew are reliable and friendly. Their airfare was worth the price, especially when it saves your time and saves you from the hassle of traveling by land. I’d recommend this to my loved ones, to our kababayans, and to tourists.

For other details, you may visit them at their website www.airjuan.com or call them at +632 718-8111.