Get ready for takeoff! Starting today, travelers can hop on a direct flight between Manila and Perth, thanks to an exciting partnership between the McGowan Government, Philippine Airlines, and Perth Airport. This new route is set to bolster Perth’s status as Australia’s Western Gateway while injecting a serious dose of energy into the tourism and economy of both regions.
Packed with 12 business class seats and 156 economy seats, the Airbus A321 neo will be zipping between the two cities three times a week. With no time difference to worry about, passengers can effortlessly take off from Manila at 12:05 am local time/AWST and land in Perth at 7:15 am local time/AWST. Return flights will depart Perth at 8:30 am, touching down in Manila at 3:50 pm.
This new route will skyrocket the market with an impressive 52,000 additional seats each year. Pre-COVID data reveals that most Filipino visitors to Western Australia came to see friends and family (67%), conduct business (11%), or enjoy a well-deserved holiday (14%). With the launch of the non-stop service, Western Australia is also looking forward to welcoming even more Filipino students, who currently represent about 7% of visitor numbers.
The Department of Home Affairs reports that Filipino arrivals to Western Australia are already bouncing back, reaching around 72% of pre-COVID levels. As the 10th largest international market for WA arrivals since the State’s border reopened, the Philippines is poised to make a significant impact on the local economy and the growing Filipino community.
Though initially planned for March 2020, the launch of this game-changing flight path was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism Minister Roger Cook couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “The McGowan Government is proud to support this new direct flight and work with Philippine Airlines and Perth Airport as the airline launches its first new international destination since the pandemic.”
Minister Cook also underscored the importance of this new connection for attracting visitors and international students to Western Australia while fostering trade between the two regions. He warmly welcomed everyone arriving on the inaugural flight from Manila and urged them to dive headfirst into the vibrant tourist attractions awaiting them in Perth and beyond.
