Philippine Airlines launches its nonstop flights to Beijing

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced the launch of its new nonstop service connecting Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Starting March 30, 2025, the thrice-weekly flights will utilize the airline’s Airbus A321 aircraft, which accommodates 168 to 199 passengers in both business and economy classes.

Expanding Air Connectivity

This new route marks a significant milestone in Philippine Airlines’ efforts to strengthen air travel connections between the Philippines and China. With Beijing being the capital of the People’s Republic of China and a hub of diplomatic and economic activity, the service is expected to boost tourism, enhance trade, and deepen cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“We are honored to serve the capital city of the People’s Republic of China, the diplomatic heart of the world’s second-largest economy, as our contribution to strengthening air links to the Chinese mainland,” said Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines. “We believe that the Manila-Beijing service will help boost tourism, enhance trade, and deepen the friendly ties between the Filipino and Chinese people.”

Flight Schedule

Philippine Airlines has scheduled the flights as follows:

• PR 358: Departs Manila at 06:55 local time, arriving in Beijing at 11:55 local time every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.
• PR 359: Departs Beijing at 12:55 local time, arriving in Manila at 18:05 local time every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

This schedule is designed to provide convenient connections for both business and leisure travelers.

Enhancing Regional Access

In addition to Beijing, Philippine Airlines already operates daily flights from Manila to several other key Chinese destinations, including:

• Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (JJN)
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Xiamen Gaoqi Airport (XMN)

This expanded network aligns with the Philippine government’s tourism and economic goals, as outlined by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The new route is expected to attract Chinese tourists to the Philippines while enabling Filipino travelers to explore China’s rich cultural and economic hubs.

Supporting Tourism and Trade

The new route aligns with the DOT’s campaign to achieve its target of 12 million international tourist arrivals by 2028, as outlined in the National Tourism Development Plan. Enhanced air connectivity is also anticipated to strengthen the bilateral trade relationship between the two nations, contributing to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) goal of fostering closer ties with China.

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