Sunlight Air: How CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia is Revolutionizing Philippine Air Travel

Bringing Warmth to the Skies: The Rise of Sunlight Air

Since its inception, Sunlight Air has captured the imagination of travelers and industry experts alike. Founded in 2019 during a turbulent period for the aviation industry, this Philippine domestic airline has emerged as a beacon of innovation and customer-centric service. With its charming tagline “Bringing Warmth to the Skies!” and a commitment to revolutionizing domestic travel, Sunlight Air is a clear testament to what passion, smart strategies, and visionary leadership can achieve.

In a market crowded with legacy carriers and budget airlines, Sunlight Air distinguishes itself with a boutique approach. Focusing on underserved island destinations and providing a personalized travel experience, the airline is thriving despite challenging economic conditions and industry-wide headwinds. Its success story is even more inspiring given that its CEO, Ryna Brito-Garcia, is in her late 20s—a trailblazer whose fresh perspective and relentless drive have redefined what it means to lead a modern airline in the Philippines.

A Visionary at the Helm: CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia

At the center of Sunlight Air’s success is its young and dynamic leader, Ryna Brito-Garcia. In an industry typically dominated by seasoned executives, Ryna’s ascent as a top executive in her late 20s has not only defied convention but has also inspired a new generation of leaders. Born and raised in Manila, Ryna’s background in technology and hospitality gave her a unique edge. Before venturing into aviation, she honed her skills in Australia and Singapore, gaining invaluable insights into customer service, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Her journey from a curious entrepreneur to the CEO of a boutique airline is marked by several defining moments:

• Innovative Beginnings: Ryna co-founded Sunlight Air with the aim of addressing the gaps in domestic air travel. Recognizing that many of the Philippines’ breathtaking island destinations were underserved, she envisioned an airline that would not only connect these locales but also do so in style.
• Customer-Centric Approach: One of the cornerstones of her leadership is a commitment to customer service. Ryna insists that every customer’s feedback is taken seriously, with the entire management team reviewing insights weekly. This approach ensures that the airline’s offerings continually evolve in line with passenger needs.
• Resilience in Challenging Times: Launching an airline during the COVID-19 pandemic was no small feat. Ryna’s innovative strategies, such as the introduction of travel bubble packages and chartered flight options, helped keep the airline afloat when many competitors were forced to shutter operations.

Her youthful energy and innovative mindset have set the stage for Sunlight Air’s remarkable achievements, making her a role model for aspiring business leaders across the country.

Crafting a Unique Experience: Boutique Air Travel in the Philippines

Sunlight Air’s unique selling proposition lies in its commitment to offering a premium yet accessible travel experience. As a Philippine domestic airline, it operates with a focus on quality rather than quantity. The airline’s boutique service model ensures that every flight is more than just a journey—it’s a personalized experience designed to leave a lasting impression.

Personalized In-Flight Experience

Unlike larger carriers that often treat passengers as mere numbers, Sunlight Air leverages its smaller fleet of ATR 72 aircraft to provide tailored services. Passengers enjoy benefits such as:

• Priority Boarding and Custom Assistance: The airline’s staff is trained to provide a warm, personalized greeting and assistance from check-in to deplaning.
• Enhanced Cabin Comfort: The interiors are designed to evoke a sense of calm and luxury. With comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and a focus on aesthetics, every detail is meticulously curated to create a relaxing atmosphere.
• Exclusive Perks: In collaboration with local partners, Sunlight Air offers added perks such as pre-flight refreshments, onboard entertainment that highlights Filipino culture, and post-flight partnerships with hotels and resorts in key island destinations.

Connecting Underserved Destinations

The Philippine archipelago is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, yet many of its idyllic locales remain underexplored due to limited air connectivity. Sunlight Air has filled this gap by offering flights to:

• Popular Tourist Spots: Routes connecting major hubs like Manila, Cebu, and Clark to tourist favorites such as Busuanga in Palawan, Siargao, and Caticlan.
• Emerging Destinations: The airline continuously explores new routes to further boost tourism in lesser-known regions, thereby contributing to local economies and regional development.

By focusing on these underserved areas, Sunlight Air not only offers convenience to travelers but also plays a vital role in promoting domestic tourism.

Thriving Amid Challenges: Strategic Growth and Innovation

While the broader aviation industry grapples with rising fuel costs, staffing shortages, and regulatory challenges, Sunlight Air has managed to thrive through its innovative business model and agile operational strategies.

Fleet Expansion and Modernization

One of the most significant indicators of the airline’s success is its proactive approach to fleet modernization. The recent addition of an ATR 72-600 turboprop underscores Sunlight Air’s commitment to:

• Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability: The ATR 72-600 is renowned for its fuel efficiency and lower carbon footprint, aligning with global trends towards sustainable aviation.
• Enhanced Passenger Capacity: With a seating capacity that surpasses its predecessors, the new aircraft not only increases the airline’s operational capacity but also enhances passenger comfort.
• Operational Flexibility: The modernized fleet enables the airline to offer more frequent flights, thereby catering to the growing demand for domestic travel.

This strategic investment in fleet expansion—often referred to as the Sunlight Air fleet expansion—is a clear signal to the market that the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the recovery and growth in domestic air travel.

Read next: How to Experience the Philippines Like a Local in 2024: From Street Foods to Island Adventures

Innovative Revenue Streams

In addition to regular passenger services, Sunlight Air has diversified its revenue streams to create a robust business model:

• Chartered Flights and Corporate Packages: Catering to business clients and group travelers, the airline offers private chartered flights that provide a bespoke travel experience.
• Travel Bubble Packages: In response to pandemic restrictions and a heightened focus on safety, the airline introduced travel bubble packages. These comprehensive packages combine flights with curated hotel and resort stays, thereby reducing the need for multiple transactions and ensuring a seamless travel experience.
• Cargo Services: Recognizing the burgeoning growth of e-commerce, Sunlight Air has also ventured into cargo services. This not only maximizes the utilization of available aircraft but also opens up a new revenue channel during periods of low passenger demand.

Digital Transformation and Enhanced Customer Engagement

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence and seamless customer experience are vital. Sunlight Air has invested significantly in its digital transformation initiatives:

• Mobile Application Launch: Soon to be rolled out, the airline’s mobile app will enable customers to book flights, manage itineraries, and access exclusive promotions with ease.
• Customer Feedback Loops: Through systematic data collection and regular reviews of customer feedback, the airline continually refines its services to ensure maximum satisfaction.
• Social Media and Digital Marketing: Leveraging digital channels, Sunlight Air engages with its audience through compelling content, travel tips from CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia, and real-time updates about new routes and services. This robust digital strategy has played a key role in building brand loyalty and driving repeat business.

The Road Ahead: Expansion Plans and Future Prospects

Looking forward, the vision for Sunlight Air is as expansive as it is ambitious. Under Ryna’s leadership, the airline is poised to not only consolidate its position in the domestic market but also explore new horizons.

Strengthening Domestic Connectivity

For the immediate future, Sunlight Air plans to:

• Increase Flight Frequencies: With operations already thriving from hubs such as Clark, Cebu, and Manila, the airline is set to add more flights to popular domestic routes. This will help in reducing wait times and increasing convenience for passengers.
• Expand to New Domestic Destinations: There is an ongoing effort to tap into new markets by launching flights to additional island destinations. This strategic move is expected to boost regional tourism and support local economies.
• Enhance Operational Efficiency: By relocating its main hub from Manila to Clark International Airport—a move motivated by the need for increased operational efficiency—Sunlight Air is well-positioned to offer more reliable services while reducing delays and cancellations.

Eyeing International Opportunities

While the current focus remains on domestic travel, there is growing anticipation of Sunlight Air’s potential to break into international markets. The airline is in preliminary discussions about:

• Launching International Routes: There is strong interest in connecting the Philippines to nearby Asian countries, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. These routes could open up significant new revenue streams and provide travelers with direct, hassle-free international travel options.
• Partnerships and Alliances: Forming strategic alliances with other carriers could pave the way for code-sharing agreements and joint marketing ventures, further extending the airline’s reach beyond domestic borders.
• Future Fleet Expansion: As demand grows, Sunlight Air may look into further fleet expansion with newer, more versatile aircraft to accommodate international routes. Such moves would be in line with the airline’s broader vision of being a comprehensive travel partner.

Sustaining the Boutique Advantage

Even as the airline scales its operations, Sunlight Air is determined to maintain the personalized service that has become its hallmark. The boutique nature of its operations allows for:

• Individualized Customer Service: Every passenger receives attention that is often lost in larger, more impersonal airlines. This focus on individualized service not only enhances customer satisfaction but also builds lasting loyalty.
• Cultural Connection: By promoting Filipino hospitality and showcasing local culture, Sunlight Air creates a travel experience that is both unique and authentically local. This connection to the Filipino way of life resonates deeply with travelers, domestic and international alike.
• Agility and Innovation: The relatively smaller size of the airline allows it to quickly adapt to changing market conditions. Whether it’s incorporating new technologies or tweaking operational protocols based on customer feedback, Sunlight Air remains agile and responsive.

Impact on the Philippine Aviation Landscape

The rise of Sunlight Air under Ryna Brito-Garcia’s leadership is more than just a success story for one airline—it is a signal of transformation in the Philippine aviation industry. Here’s how the company is influencing the broader market:

A New Benchmark for Service Excellence

By redefining what it means to fly domestically, Sunlight Air has set a new benchmark for service excellence in the region. Its emphasis on comfort, efficiency, and personalized care is prompting competitors to rethink their own customer service strategies. As more airlines strive to meet the high standards set by Sunlight Air, passengers across the Philippines can look forward to an overall improved travel experience.

Boosting Domestic Tourism

The airline’s focus on connecting underserved destinations has had a significant positive impact on local tourism. Smaller towns and island communities that were once overlooked are now gaining visibility and attracting more visitors. This not only stimulates local economies but also helps in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and natural beauty of these regions.

Empowering Young Leadership

Ryna Brito-Garcia’s trailblazing success story is a source of inspiration for young entrepreneurs and professionals. In an industry that has traditionally been dominated by older executives, her rise to leadership demonstrates that innovation, resilience, and empathy can pave the way to success—regardless of age. Her example encourages more women and young leaders to step forward and take risks, further diversifying the leadership landscape in aviation and beyond.

In Their Own Words: Passengers and Industry Experts Weigh In

The transformation at Sunlight Air has not gone unnoticed. Passengers frequently share glowing reviews of their experiences, praising the airline for its friendly staff, timely flights, and attention to detail. Many customers remark on how the personalized service makes them feel valued and special—even on short domestic hops.

Industry experts have also taken note. Analysts credit Sunlight Air’s innovative business model, combined with smart investments in technology and fleet modernization, for its robust performance even in a competitive market. The airline’s strategic shift of its hub from Manila to Clark International Airport has been lauded as a forward-thinking move that not only improves operational efficiency but also opens up new growth opportunities.

Lessons Learned and Keys to Success

The journey of Sunlight Air offers several key lessons for businesses in any industry:

1. Embrace Innovation:
   In the face of challenges, Sunlight Air has consistently turned obstacles into opportunities. From introducing travel bubble packages during the pandemic to leveraging digital technology for customer engagement, innovation has been at the heart of its strategy.
2. Prioritize Customer Experience:
   The airline’s commitment to personalized service and customer satisfaction has set it apart from competitors. By ensuring that every detail—from boarding to arrival—is handled with care, Sunlight Air has built a loyal customer base that values quality over quantity.
3. Adapt to Market Needs:
   Understanding the unique needs of the Filipino traveler—such as connectivity to less-accessible island destinations—has enabled Sunlight Air to carve out a niche in the competitive aviation market. Listening to customer feedback and adapting service offerings accordingly is a lesson applicable to any business aiming for long-term success.
4. Invest in the Future:
   Strategic investments in fleet expansion, digital transformation, and market diversification have positioned Sunlight Air to thrive in the years to come. Whether it’s upgrading aircraft for better fuel efficiency or exploring new international routes, every decision is made with an eye on sustainable growth.
5. Lead with Empathy and Vision:
   At the core of Sunlight Air’s success is the leadership of Ryna Brito-Garcia. Her empathetic approach, combined with a clear and ambitious vision, has not only driven the company forward but also inspired an entire generation of young leaders.

Looking Forward: The Next Chapter in Sunlight Air’s Story

As Sunlight Air continues to expand its operations and refine its offerings, the future looks bright for this boutique airline. With plans to increase flight frequencies, introduce new routes, and perhaps even break into international markets, the company is poised for even greater success in the coming years.

The airline’s dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience is matched only by its commitment to innovation and growth. By investing in state-of-the-art technology, modernizing its fleet, and maintaining a customer-first mindset, Sunlight Air is not just keeping pace with global aviation trends—it is setting them.

As more travelers discover the convenience, comfort, and warmth of flying with Sunlight Air, it is clear that this Philippine domestic airline is on an upward trajectory. Whether you are a frequent flyer or planning your first domestic trip, Sunlight Air promises a travel experience that goes far beyond simply getting from point A to point B. It is an invitation to explore the beauty of the Philippines with a touch of personalized elegance.

Final Thoughts

Sunlight Air’s remarkable journey from a startup founded amid a global pandemic to a thriving boutique airline is a story of vision, resilience, and innovation. Under the inspiring leadership of CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia, the airline has redefined what it means to travel domestically in the Philippines. With its focus on personalized service, strategic fleet expansion, and a commitment to connecting underserved destinations, Sunlight Air stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovative thinking in aviation.

For travelers looking for a fresh, comfortable, and customer-oriented flying experience, Sunlight Air offers not just a means of transportation but a promise of warmth and quality at every step of the journey. And as the airline continues to expand its reach and modernize its fleet, it is poised to become one of the most trusted names in Philippine domestic air travel.

Whether you are flying for business, leisure, or an adventure to one of the Philippines’ hidden gems, Sunlight Air is ready to write the next chapter in your travel story. With every flight, the airline is not only connecting destinations but also bridging the gap between innovation and heartfelt hospitality.