NAIA expands reach as MIAA welcomes 2 new airlines

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Thursday announced that the airport authorities welcomed two new airlines that were scheduled to begin operating flights to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air are getting ready to join the Philippines' main gateway after 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 17 October, as well as United Airlines' nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco on 30 October.

The MIAA said that Greater Bay Airlines (HB) is poised to offer flights between Hong Kong and Manila, operating five days a week, starting on 9 November. Flight HB231 will arrive at NAIA Terminal 3 at 2:00 a.m., and flight HB232 will depart from NAIA Terminal 3 at 3:00 a.m.

Starting on 1 December, Malaysia-based Batik Air (OD) will operate daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila. At 2:50 in the morning, flight OD 510 will touch down at NAIA Terminal 3, and at 3:50 in the morning, flight OD 511 will take off from NAIA Terminal 3.

MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said that they are pleased to welcome Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air to NAIA's growing roster of air carriers. This expansion reflects their commitment to providing passengers with an even broader range of travel options.

Co also mentioned the noteworthy effect of this development on the airport's connection, as the addition of new airlines solidifies Manila's standing as one of the airports with the greatest international connectivity globally. NAIA recently placed sixth among the top international mega hubs in the Asia Pacific region, third among the top 25 low-cost carrier airport mega hubs, and 15th among the top 50 worldwide airport mega hubs, according to the OAG Megahub Index 2023.

With the addition of Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air, the NAIA now hosts 48 air carriers in total, 42 of which are international and serve 57 international destinations.

The airport's acting chief credited the effective schedule management of the Airport Integrated Command and Control Center (AICCC), a vital facility within NAIA that acts as the central hub for coordinating and controlling airport operations related to flight information services and gate planning, guaranteeing the seamless flow of arriving and departing aircraft. With MIAA's capacity to accommodate more flights. 800 planes that arrive and depart at NAIA per 24 hours are now handled by the AICCC and additional flights may be accommodated if runway slots become available.

Given Manila's reputation as a popular destination for foreign carriers, MIAA expects more new airlines to arrive in the future. Due to its advantageous Southeast Asian position, it serves as both a gateway to the Philippines and a convenient place to halt flights that connect Asia to the rest of the world. Major Asian cities, Australia, and the Middle East can all easily access it.

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 airfares, 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."

He added that they will continue to harmonize their 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.