Flag carrier Emirates is raising its flight frequency between Dubai and Manila to 32 per week as it seeks to capture stronger ties between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the recent signing of a free trade agreement (FTA).

Emirates will introduce four additional weekly flights between Dubai and Manila beginning April 2, on top of its current schedule of 28 flights per week.

The airline said this is part of its ongoing growth strategy in Southeast Asia and its commitment to the Philippines, which it has served for more than three decades.

Manila is becoming a strategic market for the Dubai-based airline, particularly as it is a growing air travel hub, with demand driven by corporate travelers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“With this expansion, the airline will offer greater choice and enhanced connectivity,” said Emirates.

Emirates will deploy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for the new flights, which will carry 304 seats in economy class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class, and eight private suites in first class.

The airline will operate the additional four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The flight from Dubai will depart at 12:45 p.m. and arrive in Manila at 1:25 a.m. the next day, while the return flight will leave Manila at 3:25 a.m. and land in Dubai at 8:25 a.m. All times are local.

The schedule is expected to reduce connection times for travelers flying via Dubai to destinations across North America and Europe.

Economic exchange between the Philippines and the UAE is expected to ramp up in the coming months following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) earlier this month.

“With its extensive operations in Manila and Cebu/Clark, Emirates is well positioned to support the growing economic and trade ambitions between the two countries,” the airline said.

The Philippine government anticipates a significant increase in the export of key commodities to the Middle Eastern nation through CEPA, which grants lower tariffs to local goods.

Through its wide-body aircraft, Emirates can carry up to 20 tons of cargo in the bellyhold even with a full passenger load.

With four additional weekly flights to Manila, the increased cargo capacity aims to foster a more seamless trade of goods and services between the two countries.

Beyond its network, Emirates has access to 15 domestic points in the Philippines through its partnership with flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Last year, both Emirates and PAL said they are keen on exploring the possibility of signing a codeshare agreement to offer more services between Manila and Dubai, as well as on select routes beyond their respective bases.

Through codesharing, passengers could travel beyond each airline’s own network using a single ticket, with a competitive fare and a single baggage policy for the entire journey.