To serve Australia's growing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), expected to reach half a million soon, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has forayed in Perth, the country's Western capital, after establishing its service in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

On Monday, March 27, the flag carrier started its first thrice weekly, seven- hour nonstop flight from Manila to Perth.

The service saves passengers four to six hours in travel time, versus competing carriers requiring stopovers and flight connections in a third country.

Already, PAL is the leader in the Manila to Australia market, accounting for 60 percent of the total share of the business, PAL executives maintained.

After cornering more than half of the Australian passenger traffic, PAL, now targets to lure in more Australia-bound passengers outside Metro Manila.

“This new route expands PAL’s footprint in Australia, making us the largest airline operator offering the most routes from the Philippines to this region of the world,” said PAL President and COO Captain Stanley K. Ng, who was also pilot in command of yesterday's maiden flight.

"This milestone journey celebrates the continuing recovery of our airline from the challenges of the pandemic. The flight symbolizes PAL's determination to grow its network and conquer new markets," he added.

Also on board the inaugural flight was the Australian ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Hae Kyong Yu PSM.

Other notable passengers include business and government officials, mining executives heading to Perth and members of the media.

“I am excited about this direct flight from Manila to my hometown of Perth. Visiting this beautiful city has never been more convenient,” Ambassador Yu stated. “You’ll be able to enjoy great food and wine, spectacular beaches and landscapes, and gorgeous weather."

"Perth also offers world-class education and business opportunities. There is no time difference between Manila and Perth, so you won’t suffer from any jet lag,” according to the ambassador.

“The new flights will further strengthen WA’s connection with the Philippines, and unlock new business and tourism opportunities within our state,” remarked Hon. Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia.

For the Perth service, Philippine Airlines is deploying a long-range Airbus A321neo that accommodates 12 passengers in full-flat Business Class seats along with 156 Economy Class passengers.

The A321neo cabin has personal inflight entertainment (IFE) screens in each seat, and wi-fi will be available onboard.

The nonstop flights to Manila allow for easy connections to Cebu, Davao and other Philippine business and resort destinations.

Travelers from Perth may also fly onward via nonstop PAL flights to the U.S. West Coast, Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand.

The PR 224 Perth-Manila flight departs from Perth’s Terminal 1 International at 8:30AM local time every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, and lands in Manila at 3:50PM.

The PR 223 Manila-Perth service departs from Manila’s Terminal 2 at 12:05AM, after midnight every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, and arrives in Perth Airport at 7:15AM on the same days.

Employing its modern fleet of Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft, PAL offers a total of 21 weekly direct flights between Australia and Manila, including daily flights from Sydney, five weekly from Melbourne, and six weekly from Brisbane.

PAL works with WA tourism authorities to promote Perth-bound travelers from the Philippines, North America and other Asian countries, who will find adventure and business opportunities in Western Australia.

“Perth now joins Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane in our Australian network, underscoring the growing trade relations and tourism activities that animate our two countries," Captain Ng concluded.