The first nonstop flight between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) was launched by Philippine Airlines (PAL), providing a direct route between Central Visayas and the major commercial and economic center of Vietnam.
A ceremonial water cannon salute and cake-slicing ceremony were held in honor of Flight PR 587, the inaugural PAL service, prior to its departure from Mactan-Cebu International Airport on May 2.
The Department of Tourism (DoT), the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, PAL officials, and other representatives of the travel sector were in attendance to commemorate the momentous occasion.
“We are excited to celebrate our first flight from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City and begin a new chapter in PAL’s ongoing commitment to expanding regional connectivity. This historic Cebu-Vietnam route offers our passengers more convenience and travel options to explore two of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities — Saigon and Cebu — while also strengthening bilateral ties between the Philippines and Vietnam, our next-door neighbor to the west,” PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng stated.
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Congresswoman Cynthia K. Chan commended PAL for their invaluable assistance in showcasing their city and province to the world and enhancing their standing as one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.
“The launch of PAL’s new route will undoubtedly help us attract more tourists” and develop the potential for more Vietnamese consumers to enter the market,” DoT Region 7 Director Judy dela Cruz Gabato stated.
Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City flights depart Mactan-Cebu International Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, return PAL flights depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
In addition to the eight weekly flights that now operate between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, the PAL Cebu-Saigon route will be operated by Airbus A321 jetliners that can accommodate up to 199 passengers in both Business Class and Economy.
The Philippine flag carrier, which established the first flight connections between the Philippines and Vietnam in 1985, is still working to gradually increase the number of services it offers to Vietnam.
In addition to launching a new route between Manila and Da Nang on 1 July, PAL plans to offer ten weekly flights between Manila and Hanoi by 1 June.
SCHEDULE FOR THE NEW CEBU-SAIGON-CEBU SERVICE:
•PR587 Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City — every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, departing Mactan-Cebu at 2255H, arriving in HCMC/Saigon at 0055H.
•PR588 Ho Chi Minh City-Cebu — every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing HCMC/Saigon at 0155H, arriving in Mactan-Cebu at 0605H.