PAL is using an Airbus 340 for its Cebu-Los Angeles direct flights. (INQUIRER)
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) yesterday launched the maiden Cebu-Los Angeles flight from the Mactan Cebu International Airport, opening more travel and trade opportunities between the Philippines and the US.
“The direct Cebu-LA flight marks our very first connection to the US. It creates greater travel and trade opportunities for both destinations,” Manuel Louie B. Ferrer, president of airport operator GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., said in a statement.
Los Angeles is the first of four major international destinations that will be served starting this month out of Mactan Airport, Ferrer said.
“It’s a very exciting time for MCIA. We’re growing our capabilities as a gateway to one of the country’s most competitive regions,” he added.
The maiden flight left Mactan Airport at 6:25 p.m. yesterday and was estimated to arrive in Los Angeles at 5:55 p.m. local time.
The Cebu-Los Angeles flight (PR 122) leaves Cebu at 6:25 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The return flight, PR123, departs Los Angeles on the same days at 8:40 p.m. local time and touches down in Cebu at 4:40 a.m.
Other international flights that will be launched this month at the Mactan Airport will link Cebu to Taipei (Taiwan), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), and Xiamen (China).
GMR-Megawide, which operates Mactan Airport, is also eyeing new destinations such as Australia, Thailand, India, Japan, and Malaysia.
Srinivas Bommidala, chairman of the GMCAC Board, said in the same statement that the pursuit of new routes from Cebu was supported by detailed economic analysis to ensure the long-term sustainability as well as economic and social benefits for passengers and businesses.
PAL currently has 11 weekly flights between Manila and Los Angeles.
It also operates 10 weekly flights between Manila and San Francisco; and four weekly flights between Manila and New York.
PAL’s other international destinations from Cebu are Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo (Narita) and Seoul (Incheon).
PAL also flies to the cities of Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan, Davao, Iloilo and Tacloban from Cebu.
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