MANILA, Philippines–Philippine Airlines began its twice-daily non-stop service between Manila and Tokyo-Haneda on Sunday (March 30, 2014), making PAL the biggest carrier servicing direct flights between the Philippines and Japan.
PAL’s new route presents limitless opportunities to further develop trade and tourism between the two countries. Business travelers prefer Tokyo-Haneda airport amid its proximity to Tokyo’s central business district.
Haneda International Airport, which is 30 minutes away from Central Tokyo, is a popular hub for business travelers and passengers who wish to take the quickest route to the city. The airport, which has one domestic and two international passenger terminals is only 14 kilometers away from Tokyo by monorail.
Narita airport, on the other hand, is about 64 kilometers east of Tokyo. This access to fly travelers right into the heart of the city is seen to provide an advantage to PAL due to its strategic location and attractive arrival and departure times.
The flag carrier’s new service complements its thrice a day flights to and from Tokyo Narita Airport from Manila.
“With this service, and what we already have, we are providing both our Japanese and Filipino customers the benefit of choice in terms of which gateway best suits their travel itinerary. As the operator of the Philippines’ flag carrier, we are deeply honored toserve as a bridge by which tourism and
business between our two countries can grow,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang in a statement issued to media.
On top of these flights, PAL also has two daily flights between Tokyo and Cebu City in the southern Philippines. By far, PAL has the largest presence in Japan with a total of 11 flights daily to Manila from various points including Fukuoka, Osaka and Nagoya.
The Philippines remains a popular holiday destination for Japanese tourists making Japan the third largest source of tourists with more than 400,000 arrivals in 2013, according to the Philippine Department of Tourism. On the other hand, more than 90,000 Filipinos visited Japan in 2012.