(Philippines AirAsia director for flight operations Capt. Gomer Monreal and CIAC VP for operations retired Gen. Raul del Rosario cut the ceremonial cake launching PAA’s Clark-Incheon flights. Taking center stage with them are DOT- 3 regional director Carolina Uy, Capt. Gilbert Bartolome and PAA’s flight crew. Photo by Bong Lacson)
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – Without much fanfare, AirAsia is now flying from this airport to Incheon, South Korea.
The airline voted the World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) held its inaugural flight from this airport to Incheon International Airport (ICN) with 100 percent passenger load over the weekend.
“We are staying true to our commitment to provide the much-needed international connectivity and convenience for travelers in Metro Manila, Central and Northern Luzon,” said Philippines AirAsia (PAA) director for flight operations Gomer B. Monreal during a simple send-off ceremony here on Saturday.
“The future of aviation, travel, and tourism is taking shape in Clark. Now more than ever, Clark is truly saving us from air traffic congestion, and enabling airlines and travelers to enjoy the convenience of traveling,” he said. “Today’s inaugural flight is a fantastic opportunity for Filipino travelers to explore and experience winter in Korea,” he added.
PAA started with only two aircraft in 2012 when the airline began its commercial operation here. It now currently operates a fleet of 21 Airbus A320s from hubs in Manila, Cebu, Kalibo and Clark.
Aside from Clark, AirAsia also offers several flights daily to Korea from Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo while domestic flights from Clark include Cebu, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro.
For its part, Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) vice president for operations PAF Gen. Raul Del Rosario (retired) expressed elation for PAA’s new international destination.
“Magandang bueno mano po ito sa 2019 (This is a good start for 2019),” Del Rosario remarked.
“You made the right choice by coming to Clark,” Del Rosario said pointing out that Clark is “hassle-free…just an hour away from the Balintawak exit (of the North Luzon Expressway),” he noted.
“This marks another milestone in AirAsia’s continuing expansion here in Clark. We are impressed with AirAsia’s aggressiveness in expanding its roots,” he said.
Also in attendance were Department of Tourism regional director Carolina Uy and former Blue Diamond aerobatic pilot and now AirAsia’s Capt. Gilbert Bartolome among others.
