CLARK, Pampanga — Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines launched Thursday its Clark-Taipei flights at the Clark International Airport here.
AirAsia flight Z25126 bound for Taipei with pilot in command AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Captain Dexter Comendador left Clark International Airport at 5:25 p.m. and arrived in Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport at 7:30 p.m.
In his speech at the send-off ceremony, Comendador welcomed passengers and guests to the Clark-Taipei inaugural flight.
“We are officially painting the skies of Clark airport with AirAsia's iconic color. Our return to international skies via Clark hub reaffirms our commitment to travelers in Central and Northern Luzon and Metro Manila who truly deserve nothing but only the best quality service, affordable airfare and efficient connectivity,” he said.
The send-off event was joined by CIAC president Alexander Cauguiran, DOT Regional Director Carol Uy and AirAsia Philippines chairperson Maan Hontiveros.
Taiwan-inspired decorations adorned the airport with passengers and guests enjoying Taiwanese street food and entertainment.
Aside from the Clark-Taipei route, AirAsia also flies to domestic destinations of Iloilo, Caticlan, Davao, Cebu and Tacloban from Clark.
"It feels so good to be back where we started. From two planes in Clark in 2012 to 20 jets as of today and we expect our fleet to grow to 70 planes in the next 10 years, we are thrilled to be here again and begin another journey to serve, empower and enable every traveler to dream big and connect across Asean, Asia and the world," Comendador said.
Cauguiran, in a statement, said the AirAsia flights will be held thrice weekly between Clark International Airport (CRK) and Taoyuan International Airport (TIA).
TIA, Taiwan’s busiest and largest airport, services the capital city of Taipei and northern Taiwan.
“This new development is an opportunity to explore the beauty of both the Philippines and Taiwan and will benefit travelers, tourists, OFWs and their families as well,” Cauguiran said.
“The Taipei flights are also advantageous to numerous Taiwanese locators and other business travelers based in Clark and Subic,” he added.
CRK currently serves 158 international and 323 domestic flights, and processes more than 7,000 passengers daily, which CIAC noted is an improvement after the airport has been declared by the current administration as an alternative gateway to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“There is definitely a surge at Clark airport in terms of the number of flights, destinations and passenger volume, along with the improvements of its facilities, all largely possible under the leadership of President Duterte,” Cauguiran said.
The CIAC chief added that CRK registered 8,736 passengers last April 23, the highest recorded number of travelers to pass through the Northern Luzon hub in one day since 1995.
Meanwhile, Deputy Representative Minister James Chu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines announced during the event the extension of free visa for another year for Filipinos who wish to visit Taiwan. (PNA)
