PAL Quanzhou(Jinjiang)-Manila Inaugural Flight

• • • • • • • Left photo: (L to R) CG Flores, Mrs. Tan, PAL CEO Lucio Tan, H.E. Amb. Erlinda Basilio
            • Middle photo: H.E. Amb. Basilio (right) speaking during the press conference
            • Right photo: (L to R) Tourism Attaché Gerry Panga, CG Flores, H.E. Amb. Basilio, DOT Route Development Head Erwin Balane

DFA Officials led by Ambassador Erlinda Basilio and Consul General Julius Caesar Flores attended the inaugural activities in Jinjiang City of Philippine Airlines (PAL) latest route, Quanzhou(Jinjiang)-Manila on 24 April 2015. Pal will fly three times weekly.

The event was highlighted by a press conference and a dinner reception, attended by PAL CEO Mr. Lucio Tan, Mrs. Carmen Tan, PAL President Jaime Bautista and other PAL officials. The Chinese guests were headed by Quanzhou Municipality Mayor Zheng Xincong, Jinjiang City Mayor Liu Wenru, and Shishi City Mayor Zhang Yishan. Also present were DOT representatives, and members of the local business community.

In her message delivered during the press conference and reception, Ambassador Basilio lauded PAL for opening a new frontier by offering direct flights from Quanzhou to Manila and vice versa. She also acknowledged PAL’s valuable contribution to the Philippine government’s campaign in continuing to promote the Philippines as a major tourist destination especially for the growing Chinese tourism market.

She also made a strong pitch for the Chinese public to visit the Philippines and experience for themselves the beauty of the Philippines and discover that it is indeed “More Fun in the Philippines!”

Jinjiang City is approximately 80 kilometers north of Xiamen City, which is an hour’s drive by car. This new PAL route is expected to bring convenience to both Filipino and Chinese travelers based in Quanzhou, Jinjiang, Shishi and Fuzhou cities who need not go to Xiamen (Gaoqi) Airport to fly to Manila. END

• • • • • • • Left photo: H.E. Amb. Erlinda Basilio delivering her message during the dinner-reception
            • Middle photo: H.E. Amb. Basilio (center) with PAL officials led by CEO Lucio Tan during the ceremonial toast
            • Right photo: H.E. Amb. Basilio with PAL CEO Lucio Tan, Mrs. Camen Tan, Tourism attaché Neil Ballesteros, CG Flores  and Xiamen PCG staff