Emirates Airlines will return to Clark International Airport (CRK) starting March 30, 2016 with a daily Dubai-Cebu-Clark service.
“After a series of negotiation with Emirates, we are glad that they have now finally agreed to resume their flights at CRK this year,” Clark International Airport Corporation president and chief executive officer Atty. Emigdio Tanjuatco III said in a statement.
He added “this is [the] fruit of CIAC’s efforts in continuing to attract more airlines to choose Clark.”
Utilizing a Boeing 777-300ER, the new route is seen to strengthen international connectivity at two of the country’s fastest growing international hubs. The Dubai-based airline left CRK in May 2014 over the issue of jet fuel taxes and competition with other airlines.
Tanjuatco said the return of Emirates was discussed during the World Routes Convention in South Africa in September last year. He noted that while Emirates expressed some concerns about resuming their flight operations at the Pampanga hub, CIAC “worked hard to appropriately address the issues and concerns that they raised.”
In a brief meeting on January 5, Emirates Airlines senior regional Manager for Airport Services Jie Zhu said: “I am impressed with the improvements done at the (passenger) terminal. We are very happy that finally we are back at Clark International Airport.”
Tanjuatco said Emirates’ return to CRK will be a “game changer” for the local aviation industry as “they will become able partners in achieving progress in the strategic part of Luzon, specifically Clark.” This development is going to support the government’s efforts to promote tourism and improve the local and national economy, he stated.
“I need not stress the relevance, or the kind of quality that Emirates will contribute to the Clark airport. Presently we are engaging the national government to show them that Clark is willing and able to be that airport to help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila,” Tanjuatco said.
CIAC said overseas Filipino workers will be delighted with the return of Emirates to Clark since most of those based in the Middle East hail from Central and Northern Luzon. Passengers travelling via the Emirates-Cebu-Clark service can also use this connection to reach destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and America via Dubai.
Emirates is another addition to CRK’s callers which include Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Dragon Air, Cebu Pacific Air, Cebgo, Air Asia Berhad, Tiger Air Singapore, and Jin Air.
