American Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said the arrival of the historic Pan Am China Clipper in the Philippines was a symbol of the commitment of both countries to strengthen their bilateral relations, particularly on expanding air connectivity and modernizing aviation relationships.

Carlson said this during the commemoration of the arrival of the historic aircraft, the first commercial aircraft to establish a regular airmail route from the United States across the Pacific Ocean, in Manila on Saturday, Jan. 20.

In her speech at the Manila Yacht Club, the American envoy said the arrival of the China Clipper was a "milestone in the history of aviation" and in the relationship between the Philippines and the US.

"The China Clipper came to symbolize innovation and goodwill connecting our two nations," Carlson said.

"In the intervening decades since 1935 through to the present day, we have continued to expand and deepen our ties, working together as partners in prosperity on innovative new efforts — including in the aviation sector," she added.

In May last year, President Marcos and US President Joe Biden agreed during their meeting at the White House to expand air connectivity and modernize their bilateral aviation relationship.

"This is exactly the type of momentum we need to further modernize our aviation ties, as we seek to upgrade our bilateral aviation agreement that is now 40 years old," Carlson said.

According to Carlson air travel has gone a long way since the China Clipper made its groundbreaking voyage in 1935 which took nearly 60 hours.

"And to think, this past October I helped United Airlines inaugurate its new flight between Manila and San Francisco that takes only a little more than 12 hours— nonstop!" she said.

Ambassador Carlson added that in December 2023, the Philippine Airlines and American Airlines partnered to launch the first flights by a Philippine carrier on domestic US flights, offering travelers greater convenience and connectivity.

"This arrangement also allows American Airlines customers to travel to Manila and Cebu, opening more travel opportunities linking our countries," she said.

"These recent advances in air travel build on the China Clipper’s legacy and continue to accelerate opportunities for our citizens to thrive, share, and prosper as friends, partners, and allies," she added.