05 September 2005 -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo today welcomed the re-establishment of direct flight links between Manila and Beijing in November 2005 after almost 15 years, citing its significance in the current efforts by both countries to broaden their ties.

“The re-opening of direct flights between the two capitals is symbolic and a fitting milestone as the Philippines and China continue to promote and expand our over-all ties in the 30th year of our diplomatic relations. It is symbolic of the emergence of the new golden age of partnership envisioned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and President Hu Jintao during the latter’s state visit to the Philippines in April this year,” Secretary Romulo said.
 
Following years of air services discussions between Philippine and Chinese aviation authorities, the Philippine Air Lines (PAL) is preparing to commence Manila-Beijing non-stop flights on a thrice-weekly schedule beginning 11 November 2005.   The national carrier last flew its Beijing service in 1989.

PAL’s non-stop service between Manila and Beijing will give Filipino and Chinese tourists and business travelers a time-saving alternative to the current one-stop flights or transfer connections, usually via Xiamen or Hongkong.

The resumption of Manila-Beijing non-stop flights is a major breakthrough in efforts of the Philippines to expand aviation links with China. Currently, there are regular flight connections between the Philippines and the cities of Xiamen, Beijing (via Xiamen), Shanghai and Guangzhou (charter service). Air Philippines is preparing to operate regular charter flights between Manila and Chongqing City in central China via Guangzhou beginning October 2005.

Expanded air links will boost the government’s efforts to promote the Philippines as a tourism destination in China, whose tourism market is projected to grow to 100 million by 2020.  Campaigns led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) had already resulted unprecedented year-on-year increases for May and June 2005, resulting in 45,789 tourism arrivals from China in the first six months. The DOT has also issued projections that China could become the fourth largest source country for tourists to the Philippines by the year’s end, next to the United States, Korea and Japan. END