Gordon pushes more int’l flights to Palawan

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon is pushing for an increase in flights from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to Puerto Princesa.

Gordon recently met with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Congressman Abraham Kahlil Mitra to discuss the plan.

As planned, Layang Layang Airlines of Malaysia is being tapped to fly thrice-a-week to the capital cities of Palawan.

At present, charter flights service the area.

As this developed, Cebu Pacific further strengthens its foothold in the domestic area with the introduction of its daily flights between Manila and Puerto Princesa starting March 27 and thrice weekly flights between Cebu and Butuan last March 29.

Departing Manila at 6 a.m. and Puerto Princesa at 7:50 a.m. this service aims to boost the promotion of Palawan as a primary destination for local and international travelers.

“The natural attractions of Palawan are magnificent. White sand beaches, clear azure water, bountiful marine life and an abundance of exotic species, not to mention the Tabon Caves and the world’s longest underground river, Palawan is really an eco-tourism haven with a rich history and one of the Philippines’ most amazing places,” said Salvador Ramirez, Cebu Pacific’s vice president/general manager of sales.

Ramirez added, “Traffic for business travelers is also growing. Palawan is moving forward in terms of economic development with its natural gas field projects.”

For the Cebu-Butuan service, flights are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing Mactan International Airport at 11:15 a.m. and the Bancasi Airport in Butuan City at 12:30 p.m. (PNA)