MAIDEN FLIGHT. A Royal Air Philippines plane receives a water salute as it leaves the Mactan Cebu-International Airport for Hong Kong on Monday (Oct. 9, 2023). GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation on Tuesday said the addition of Royal Air Philippines' direct flight to Hong Kong is expected to boost tourist arrivals and help Cebu province recover from the impact of the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of GMCAC)
CEBU CITY – The newly-launched five times a week direct flight of Royal Air Philippines from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Hong Kong is seen to boost Cebu’s tourism and help the province recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Edilyth Maribojoc, communications head of the airport’s private operator, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), said the maiden flight between Mactan and Hong Kong was made on Oct. 9, using a 180-seater Airbus A320 plane.
She declined to give projections for the additional tourist arrivals as a result of the new route since “we have not yet fully recovered” from the impact of the pandemic.
Maribojoc, however, noted that this will surely increase the volume of passengers arriving from Hong Kong.
With the addition of this new carrier, the MCIA now has 15 foreign and five Philippine-based airline partners, and connects to 30 domestic destinations and 12 international destinations.
“We are excited to welcome Royal Air Philippines to our airport family and to offer our passengers another excellent option for traveling between Cebu and Hong Kong. This addition strengthens our commitment to develop MCIA as a key aviation hub in the Philippines as well as provide diverse travel opportunities and connecting people, businesses, and cultures,” said Athanasios Titonis, chief executive officer assigned to MCIA by Aboitiz InfraCapital.
The new route firms up the airport’s commitment to provide passengers with a wide range of flight options and enhance overall travel experience.
MCIA said its strategic location, modern facilities, and strong airline partnerships make the airport a gateway and a vital link to international destinations. (PNA)
