PASAY CITY, 9 November 2023 – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) welcomes two new airlines that are scheduled to begin operating flights to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Following the successful launch of Hong Kong-based budget airline HK Express (carrier code: UO) and its daily direct flights between Hong Kong and Manila on October 17, as well as United Airlines’ (UA) nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco on October 30, Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air are preparing to join the Philippines’ primary gateway.
Greater Bay Airlines (HB) is poised to offer flights between Hong Kong and Manila, operating five days a week starting on November 9. Flight HB 231 will arrive at NAIA Terminal 3 at 2 a.m., and flight HB 232 will depart from NAIA Terminal 3 at 3 a.m.
Meanwhile, Malaysian-based Batik Air (OD) is set to serve daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila beginning on December 1. Flight OD 510 will arrive at NAIA Terminal 3 at 2:50 a.m., and flight OD 511 will depart from NAIA Terminal 3 at 3:50 a.m.
“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 an even broader range of travel options,” MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said.
Co also noted the significant impact of this development on the airport’s connectivity as new airlines strengthen Manila’s position among the most internationally connected airports in the world. NAIA recently ranked 15th in the OAG Megahub Index 2023’s top 50 global airport megahubs, 6th among the top international megahubs in the Asia Pacific region, and 3rd among the top 25 low-cost carrier airport megahubs.
The inclusion of Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air brings the total number of air carriers hosted by NAIA to 48, with its 42 international carriers serving 57 international destinations.
Co attributed MIAA’s ability to accommodate more flights to the efficient schedule management carried out by the Airport Integrated Command and Control Center (AICCC), a critical facility within NAIA that serves as the central hub for coordinating and controlling airport operations related to flight information services and gate planning, ensuring the smooth flow of arriving and departing flights. The AICCC currently handles 800 flights departing from and arriving at NAIA within a 24-hour window, with the potential to accommodate more flights contingent on the availability of runway slots.
MIAA anticipates the arrival of additional new airlines in the future, given Manila’s status as a strong destination for international carriers. Its strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a gateway to the Philippines and an ideal stopover for flights connecting Asia to the rest of the world. It is also within easy reach of major Asian cities, as well as Australia and the Middle East.
This, coupled with the country’s economic growth, popular local tourist destinations, and rich cultural attractions, positions Manila as an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers, fostering an increased demand for international flight services and drawing more carriers into its network.
Co emphasized, “Apart from expanding the range of destinations for Filipinos and international guests flying to and from NAIA, we also seek to diversify our airline roster, ultimately benefiting passengers who will have access to more affordable and competitive air fares, as well as a wider array of flight options, including different departure times, various service classes, and potentially more convenient routes. This increased variety can better cater to individual preferences and needs.”
“We will continue to harmonize our procedures and coordination to enhance our capacity to accommodate even more carriers and flights and leverage the use of digital technologies to further this cause,” added Co.