More US carriers likely to fly to the PH – envoy

The inaugural flight carrying 325 passengers touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – More carriers from the United States are keen to fly to the Philippines, Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said on Monday.

Carlson made the announcement after welcoming United Airlines’ first non-stop flight from San Francisco, California to Manila.

The inaugural flight carrying 325 passengers touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Starting Monday, United Airlines will have a daily service between the two cities.

“Presidents (Joe) Biden and (Ferdinand R.) Marcos (Jr.) agreed in May to explore how to expand air ties, highlighting how this effort will strengthen our economic and people-to-people ties,” she said.

Carlson added that the US engagement with Philippine aviation authorities will help open more opportunities to American carriers seeking to serve the country’s market.

“I am confident that United’s flight is simply the first of many more air links between our countries,” she said.

Aside from United Airlines, only flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been flying directly to San Francisco.

United Airlines, on the other hand, has been offering non-stop services to Palau and Guam via Manila.

Its newest route to and from San Francisco will utilize its largest Boeing aircraft.