Indian investor for converting Philippine airport in to flying school

Bacolod City, Philippines: The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday passed a resolution reiterating its previous stand for the retention of the existing airport in Bacolod City upon the request of the Mayor.
Councilor Alex Paglumotan said the SP had passed Resolution No. 478 strongly supporting the call of Mayor Evelio Leonardia and the Retain Bacolod Airport Movement for the retention and improvement of the present airport.
Mayor Leonardia said the move to convert the airport into a flying school elicited favorable response from an Indian investor who is sending feelers that they are interested in the prospect.
Leonardia said that with the shortage of pilots in India , well-trained pilots from the Philippines will be in demand.
Earlier, the Air Transportation Office had announced that it will transfer its office and facilities out of Bacolod airport to Silay as soon as commercial flights start there.
Leonardia said he is hopeful that the petition letter he sent to the Office of the President for the retention of the airport will be favorably considered and that ATO will keep some of its facilities at the old airport.
10/01/08 Chrysee Samillano & Nida Buenafe/Visayan Daily Star, Philippines