European carriers mull direct flights to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Some European airlines have expressed their interest to fly directly to the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Erwin Balane, head of DOT’s route development team, told the STAR the agency was in talks with some European airlines to mount their flights here in the Philippines.

The team connected with the European airlines through the recent World Route Development Forum in Chengdu, China.

But Balane did not provide the names and details of the interested carriers, saying discussions are still in their early stage.

“As a result of our participation in World Routes 2016 in Chengdu, we were able to engage not only the Chinese, but European carriers as well  to fly to the Philippines,” Balane said.

“No details yet but they already signified their interest and they’re coming for ocular inspection (of airports),” he added.

Balane earlier told the STAR the Philippines was looking forward to more charter flights from China.

Just last month, Xiamen Airlines conducted two trial charter flights to Davao carrying Chinese tourists and businessmen.

Other operators from Beijing and Chengdu are also eyeing charter flights to Dumaguete and Cebu, respectively.

Meanwhile, Balane said Air Asia is also set to mount new flights this week. These flights include Taipei-Cebu, Singapore-Cebu and Kuala Lumpur-Cebu.