By Digna Banzon/PNA
DAVAO CITY — Xiamen Airlines will launch its inaugural flight from Quanzhou to Davao on December 18, in a move that is seen to further boost the local tourism and business industry.
In a press statement on Thursday, Xiamen Airlines-Philippines General Manager Lin Huagun said the new route marks the first non-stop route from Mainland China to Davao.
Lin said the Davao flight is one of only three international routes operated from Francisco Bangoy International Airport in this city. The other two international direct flights are Singapore-Davao by Silk Air, and Hong Kong-Davao by Cathay Dragon.
As the airline with the largest market share of the China-Philippine market, he said Xiamen Airlines is devoted to boost exchanges between the two countries through network development.
He said the route will serve as an air link between Quanzhou (Jinjiang) and Davao to better enhance bilateral trade relations.
Aside from Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo, Davao will be the fourth city that Xiamen Airlines flies to in the Philippines.
City Tourism Chief Generose Tecson said: “This is a welcome happening in Davao City as we expect to welcome both tourists and investors.”
Tecson said the route also opens more opportunities in terms of answering needs for more Mandarin-speaking tour guides, destinations, and accommodations.
