PAL opens direct Chengdu flights to Cebu and Kalibo

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) has launched new flights from China to its Cebu and Kalibo hubs, enabling the Chinese market to land directly in central Philippines.

Jaime J. Bautista, PAL president and chief operating officer, said in a statement that the carrier’s network expansion in China “is a reflection of the vision of our Chairman Dr. Lucio C. Tan, who foresaw China’s economic boom.”

PAL said it announced in Chengdu on March 31 the Chengdu to Cebu thrice weekly and Chengdu to Kalibo four times weekly service, with PAL executives, partner travel agents and industry stakeholders in attendance.

Kalibo to Chengdu flights (PR396) depart Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays at 10:50 p.m. and arrive at 3 a.m.; Chengdu to Kalibo flights (PR397) depart Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 4:05 a.m. and arrive at 8:05 a.m.

Cebu to Chengdu flights (PR392) depart Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 10:40 p.m. and arrive at 3 a.m.; Chengdu to Cebu flights (PR393) depart Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 4:05 a.m. and arrive at 8:25 a.m.

The Chengdu flights will allow travelers from the Visayas region to fly direct to Chengdu, located southwest Sichuan Province, known as the home of giant pandas.

Cebu is PAL’s second hub outside Manila with seven international and 13 domestic destinations while Kalibo operates flights to five international and two domestic points.

PAL has existing Beijing, Jinjiang and Xiamen flights from Cebu; and Beijing and Xiamen flights from Kalibo, according to its Web site. —