Perth, Western Australia – On March 27th, 2023, the first non-stop flight between Manila and Perth took off, marking a significant moment for the strengthening of Western Australia’s position as Australia’s Western Gateway. The partnership between the McGowan Government, Philippine Airlines and Perth Airport has resulted in three weekly flights operating on an Airbus A321 neo, with 12 business class seats and 156 economy seats.
Inaugural flight and reception
The inaugural flight was piloted by Philippine Airlines’ President and COO, Captain Stanley Ng, who was assisted by First Officer Jose Joel Mira on the controls of PAL’s 168-seater Airbus A321. The flight touched down in Perth at 6.48 am. It was met by Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Roger Cook, Tourism Western Australia Manager Director Carolyn Turnbull MBA GAICD, and A/CEO Kate Holsgrove (MBA, GAICD) of Perth Airport.
Tourism Minister Roger Cook praised the new route: “This new connection between the Philippines and WA provides an important route to attract visitors and international students into our State while supporting the development of trade between our two regions.”
The Australia Philippines Business Council also congratulated Philippine Airlines on its inaugural flight and the arrival of its first passengers from Manila in Perth.
Popular Filipino singer Jona, who was also on board the maiden Manila-Perth flight, took to her Facebook page to express her excitement, “Touchdown Perth, AUS! 🇦🇺 Finally, a direct flight from Manila to Perth. Congratulations, Philippine Airlines!”
Route details and market impact
The flight departs from Manila at 12.05 am local time and arrives in Perth at 7.15 am local time. The return flight leaves Perth at 8.30 am and lands in Manila at 3.50 pm, with no time difference between the two cities. The new route will provide over 52,000 seats annually and will boost Western Australia’s tourism, education, and trade sectors.
Pre-COVID figures indicate that 67% of visitor arrivals to Western Australia from the Philippines were visiting friends and relatives, 11% visited for business, and 14% for a holiday. The new non-stop route is expected to increase the number of Filipino students in WA, which currently accounts for about 7% of visitor numbers.
Department of Home Affairs figures show that Filipino arrivals to WA have recovered to approximately 72% of pre-COVID levels, making the Philippines the 10th largest international market for WA arrivals since the State’s border reopened. The new flight path is expected to provide a significant boost for the growing Filipino community in WA, as well as for businesses that trade across the two regions.
With a vast network of flights between the Philippines and Australia, Philippine Airlines is the leading carrier in the region. PAL operates four Australian gateways, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. These cities are served by nonstop flights utilizing Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft. PAL offers an impressive 20 weekly direct flights to Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, providing travellers with convenient and efficient travel options between the two countries.
Terminal reassignments
Passengers travelling through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) should take note of new terminal assignments, which have been disclosed as part of the second phase of its Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program.
Future prospects
The new direct flight between Manila and Perth opens up several opportunities for both regions. The increased capacity and efficiency of travel will benefit businesses in both regions, increasing trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, the direct flight will improve accessibility for the Filipino community in Perth and provide a more convenient option for visiting friends and family.
The launch of the non-stop flight between Manila and Perth marks a significant moment in strengthening Western Australia’s position as Australia’s Western Gateway. The new route is expected to significantly impact Western Australia’s tourism, education, and trade sectors, and it provides new opportunities for both regions. With no time difference between the two cities, the direct flight will provide greater accessibility and convenience for travellers. It is expected to be a major boost for the growing Filipino community in Western Australia.
