Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced on Monday that it will introduce nonstop thrice-weekly flights between Manila and Beijing Capital International Airport starting 30 March this year. The new service will further strengthen the airline’s presence in China and is expected to have a positive impact on travelers between the two countries.
In a statement, PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng expressed his excitement about the new route, calling it a significant move to deepen ties between the Philippines and China. “We are honored to serve the capital city of the People’s Republic of China, the diplomatic heart of the world’s second-largest economy, as our contribution to strengthening air links to the Chinese mainland,” Ng said. He also highlighted the potential boost the new service would bring to tourism, trade, and bilateral relations.
With the addition of Beijing, PAL now operates the widest network of flights from the Philippines to Mainland China, connecting Manila to four major cities: Shanghai, Xiamen, Quanzhou, and now Beijing. The nonstop Manila-Beijing flights will be operated using Airbus A321 aircraft, offering both Business Class and Economy Class services, with seating capacities ranging from 168 to 199 seats.
For travelers from Beijing, the new route offers easy connections via Manila to key Philippine destinations such as Cebu, Davao, Boracay, and Palawan. The expanded network also opens up connections to destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, and North America.
This expansion comes as PAL continues to recover from industry challenges, including increased capacity and changing market conditions. Despite a drop in net income for the first nine months of 2024, the airline remains focused on enhancing service quality and strengthening its fleet. Capital expenditures for the period rose to $263 million, aimed at maintaining aircraft, improving cabin features, and preparing for the upcoming delivery of Airbus A350-1000s.
Travelers looking to fly between Manila and Beijing will benefit from more frequent flight options, improving connectivity and supporting the growing demand for travel between the two countries.
