MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Airlines, the country’s national flag-carrier, says it is opening two regular flights to China, marking the the first direct air link between the Philippines and the scenic southwestern part of China.

Both services will operate twice a week. Departures from Manila for Chongqing (PR 356) are every Monday and Friday at 9:55 a.m. Arrival at Jianbei International Airport is at 1:15 p.m.

The return service, PR 357, departs Chongqing on the same days at 2:15 p.m. and arrives in Manila at 5:35 p.m.

For Chengdu, departures from Manila (PR 354) are every Tuesday and Saturday at 9:20 a.m. Arrival at Shuangliu International Airport is at 1:00 p.m.

The return flight, PR 355, departs Chengdu on the same days at 2:00 p.m. and touches down in Manila at 5:35 p.m.

Brand-new Airbus A320 aircraft, which seat 12 in Mabuhay (Business) Class and 144 in economy, will be deployed on both routes.

Chongqing and Chengdu are PAL’s fourth and fifth destinations, respectively, in mainland China. The airline already operates daily services to Shanghai and Xiamen, and a five-times-weekly service to Beijing.

Overall, with the addition of the two points, PAL’s international network expands to 25 destinations in 13 countries and territories. The airline also flies to 18 cities in the Philippines.