To support the Philippine government's plan to transfer most passenger flights operated by turboprop aircraft away from Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Philippine Airlines will begin the “strategic transfer” of select turboprop-operated domestic routes to Clark and Cebu this fall.
The transfer of the flights using its De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft will start October 26 with the expansion of flights from Clark to Busuanga and Basco to be operated twice daily. The Clark-Basco operations will replace the current operations to Basco from Manila.
Philippine Airlines stated its Clark-Siargao flights will continue to be operated daily.
From Cebu, flights to Busuanga and Siargao will be increased to three times daily. The airline will also launch four-weekly flights between Cebu and Calbayog, replacing the Manila-Calbayog flights. With the Cebu-Calbayog route, passengers from Manila can opt to connect via Cebu.
While increasing flights out of Cebu and Clark, turboprop-operated flights to Siargao and Busuanga (Coron) will continue though services will be reduced to daily flights.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines will maintain its three-weekly flights between Manila and Antique (San Jose) and its four-weekly flights between Manila and Catarman.
In a statement, Philippine Airlines stated the moves ensure the preservation of essential air links for Greater Manila residents and passengers connecting from international flights at Manila.
“We seek the cooperation and understanding of the flying public as we work closely with aviation authorities, industry stakeholders and local government units to ensure a smooth transition,” said Carlos Luis Fernandez, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Philippine Airlines. "This network realignment allows us to serve our passengers more efficiently. By strengthening Cebu and Clark as alternative hubs, we are building a more reliable and sustainable domestic network for the long term."
Since March, Philippine Airlines has participated in the transfer of its flights using the Q400 aircraft out of NAIA as part of the Philippine government's mandate for the shift. Philippine Airlines reduced its turboprop-operated flights out of NAIA by 30%.
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