The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Thursday welcomed Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air to the growing roster of foreign air carriers flying to the capital.
Greater Bay Airlines mounted flights between Hong Kong and Manila starting Nov. 9, following the successful launch of Hong Kong-based budget airline HK Express and United Airlines’ nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco on Oct. 17.
Malaysia-based Batik Air will start operating daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila on Dec. 1.
The MIAA said the addition of Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air strengthens Manila’s position among the most internationally-connected airports in the world and boosts the airport’s connectivity.
“We are pleased to welcome Greater Bay Airlines and Batik Air to our growing roster of air carriers. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing passengers with an even broader range of travel options,” said MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport ranked 15th in the Official Airline Guide Megahub Index 2023’s top 50 global airport megahubs, sixth among the top international megahubs in the Asia Pacific region and third among the top 25 low-cost carrier airport megahubs.
MIAA attributed its ability to accommodate more flights to the efficient schedule management carried out by the Airport Integrated Command and Control Center (AICCC), a critical facility within NAIA that serves as the central hub for coordinating and controlling airport operations related to flight information services and gate planning.
The AICCC handles 800 flights departing from and arriving at NAIA within a 24-hour window, with the potential to accommodate more flights contingent on runway slot availability.
MIAA said it anticipates the arrival of additional airlines in the future due to Manila’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, its economic growth, popular local tourist destinations and rich cultural attractions, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.
“We will continue to harmonize our procedures and coordination to enhance our capacity to accommodate even more carriers and flights and leverage the use of digital technologies to further this cause,” said Co.