MANILA, Philippines -- Hong Kong-based international airline Dragonair launched its maiden direct flight from Manila to Hong Kong Tuesday.

The airline launched its first direct flight from Hong Kong to Manila on December 15 with about a hundred passengers on board KA 913.

Despite the economic crisis, Dragonair general manager for inflight services Maggie Yeung said the company is confident about the prospects of the business and leisure market in the Philippines.

"The market between Manila and Hong Kong is so big and we're just operating five flights a week," said Yeung.

Dragonair joined the Cathay Pacific group in September 2006.

The airline is offering an introductory round trip fare price of $165 until the end of January 2009.

"We do hope that with our new service, we can promote the traffic between Hong Kong and Manila. Hopefully, more people in Hong Kong would like to come to Manila and more people in Manila would like to visit Hong Kong," said Yeung. By Izah Morales, INQUIRER.net