NAIA lands 2 more airlines

MANILA, Philippines — The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has widened its global reach to 58 destinations, with the addition of two new airlines to its roster of carriers.

In an advisory yesterday, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced that low-cost carrier Greater Bay Airlines and Malaysian operator Batik Air Malaysia are scheduled to operate flights at the NAIA.

MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said the total number of airlines servicing the country’s main gateway has gone up to 48: six domestic carriers and 42 foreign operators.

All in all, Co said travelers may reach 57 destinations across the globe through the flights offered by the international airlines.

He noted that this expansion bodes well for the NAIA as it tries to keep its position as one of the most connected gateways in the world.

“We are pleased to welcome Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air to NAIA’s growing roster of air carriers. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing passengers with a broader range of travel options,” Co said.

In a study conducted by travel analyst OAG, NAIA was ranked 15th in the list of most connected airports in the world, with the gateway also placing sixth in the Asia-Pacific region and third for low-cost carriers.

Co said the expansion of NAIA’s network proves that MIAA is implementing the correct reforms, such as the rearrangement of flight schedules to speed up traffic flow in the gateway.

The Airport Integrated Command and Control Center facilitates roughly 800 flights that depart from and arrive at the NAIA within a 24-hour window.

Looking ahead, Co believes that the NAIA will continue to attract new carriers on its runway given the strategic location of the Philippines.

He said airlines are beginning to realize that Manila can serve as a linkage to cities in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

The MIAA wants to attract as many airlines as possible to diversify the options for air travel of both Filipino and international travelers, according to Co.

“In turn, passengers will be provided with competitive pricing, different schedules and varying services depending on their choosing,” he said.

Greater Bay Airlines will offer five flights per week between Hong Kong and Manila. Batik Air Malaysia will serve daily connections to Kuala Lumpur.

Recently, the NAIA welcomed the addition of Hong Kong flights from Hong Kong Express and the launch of San Francisco trips from United Airlines.