Korean Air launched its direct non-stop Clark-Incheon flight via the Clark International Airport on Sunday.
The airline’s maiden flight from Incheon International Airport – KE635 – with 214 passengers was welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute upon landing at the Clark International Airport.
Korean Air will now be flying its Airbus A330 on a daily non-stop service between Incheon and Clark. To date, the Airbus A330 is the largest aircraft to land at Clark.
The flight departed Clark at 1:10 p.m., arriving back in Incheon at 6:10 p.m. Passengers entering South Korea and wishing to travel onwards can enjoy easy connections at Incheon International Airport with access to a wide range of destinations in Asia and Oceania for business and leisure travel.
With the addition of the new route, Korean Air now operates international flights to 125 cities in 44 countries.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade joined Korean Air Regional Manager Cheol Lee, Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. President and CEO Bi Yong Chungunco, and former BCDA Senior Vice President Joshua Bingcang, in welcoming the passengers of Korean Air’s KE635 flight.
“Today, it’s not about coming in and flying out, it’s all about trust. And I know that Korean Air came here not only because of the revenue that is to be generated, but more importantly, and this was mentioned to me by Ambassador Han – “we are going to Clark, if we are going to expand our operations in the Philippines, it’s because we want to show faith and trust in the Republic of the Philippines. It is because we want to show our support to President Duterte. And it is for this reason that I come today, to accept the manifestation that this government is ready and willing to work with you hand in hand,” Tugade said.
He said Clark remains to be an attractive and viable destination for air traffic and as a logistics hub in Central Luzon, and that pursuing its full development as an alternative gateway will vastly improve the country’s travel and tourism industry.
Since the launch of Clark-Incheon flights, tourist arrivals were pegged at a 60 percent increase in 2019. (PNA)
