US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Monday said the Philippines can expect more American carriers flying to Manila following the inaugural direct flight of United Airlines to the country.
Carlson revealed that many other US airlines may follow suit after holding several high-level aviation talks with the Philippine government recently.
“Our engagement with Philippine aviation authorities over the past several months… increasing more opportunities for American carriers to serve the Philippine market,” Carlson said.
The US ambassador was the guest at the arrival event of the United Airlines Boeing 777 jet direct from San Francisco to Manila.
A water canon salute welcomed the plane Monday morning, marking the first time a US carrier will have regular direct flights between the Philippines and the mainland US. Prior to this, United Airlines had flights between Manila, Guam, and Palau.
Department of Transportation Undersecretary Roberto Lim said he is happy with the arrival of what he calls a “historic flight.”
“This is the new non-stop transpacific flight. It is a testament to the strong bilateral relations,” DOTr official said.
United Airlines officials said they decided to have direct flights to the Philippines, even if it is far from the US, because of the close ties between the two countries.
According to them, they have a positive outlook for air travel in the Asia Pacific region, including possible growth traffic in the Philippines. They vowed to offer reasonable fares to the Filipinos.
“There’s a strong Filipino diaspora in the United States. Many want to come home and see their loved ones and their families. But we also know there are tourists coming in,” Marcel Fuchs, United Managing Director for International Sales, said.
Fuchs admitted that they may also add new routes to and from Manila in the future, but as of now they are focused on the San Francisco-Manila route.