Why Perth is now a hoppier destination
There are more kangaroos than humans in Australia. These animals’ population is hopping to 48 million in a country where there are only about 26 million people.
Baa baa, there are 68 million sheep and, yes sir, they have so much wool to keep us warm and fashionable.
That a country knows how to protect its animals and wildlife, and nurture nature, speaks highly of their level of civilization. This is why Australia is a much-desired destination for tourists who appreciate compassion for animals and enjoy chilling in a clean and beautiful environment.
And look which city in Australia just got happier and hoppier! Perth is now just six-and-a-half hours away from Manila on a direct flight—that’s how fast we got there last March 27 during the inaugural flight of Philippine Airlines with PAL president and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng himself as pilot in command.
The direct flight, which is three-times-weekly (Monday, Thursday and Saturday), is good news for the 46,000-plus Filipinos living in Western Australia where Perth is located. There are more than 408,000 Filipinos in Australia, most of which are in the mining industry, health.
“We had a happy landing in Perth with a full load of passengers on board,” says Capt. Ng. “This milestone journey celebrates the continuing recovery of our airline from the challenges of the pandemic.”
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista asserts that “PAL’s new direct flight to Perth will reconnect the lost air bridges and reignite our once robust tourism and trade relations with other countries.”
On board the historic flight was the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Hae Kyong Yu PSM, who exclaims: “I am excited about this flight because Perth is my hometown. Visiting this beautiful city has never been more convenient.” The direct flight saves travelers four to six hours of multiple-flight connections.
Ambassador Yu adds: “You’ll be able to enjoy great food and wine, spectacular beaches and landscapes, and gorgeous weather. Perth also offers world-class education and tremendous business opportunities. And because there is no time difference between Manila and Perth, you won’t suffer from jet lag.”
“Filipinos have long been clamoring for a direct flight between Perth and Manila,” says Philippine Ambassador to Australia Hellen de la Vega. “This is a promise fulfilled by PAL!”
Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia, says, “The new flights will further strengthen Western Australia’s connection with the Philippines and unlock new business and tourism opportunities within our state.”
The nonstop flights to Manila allow easy connections to Cebu, Davao and other destinations. Travelers from Perth may also fly onward via nonstop flights to the US West Coast, Japan, Hong Kong and Thailand.
“Perth now joins Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in our Australian network, a milestone that underscores the growing trade and tourism activities that animate the two countries and help unite the Filipino and Australian people,” says Capt. Ng.
Using the modern fleet of Airbus A330 and A321 neo aircraft, PAL now offers 21 direct flights between Australia and Manila, including daily flights from Sydney, five weekly from Melbourne and six weekly from Brisbane.
The author Millet Mananquil and top social media influencer Tim Yap petting the wombat at Caversham Wildlife Park.
STAR Property Report Ph editor and op-ed columnist Iris Gonzales bonds with a koala.
Joanne Rae Ramirez, PeopleAsia editor in chief and STAR Newsmakers editor, checks if the sheep have any wool.
Bulletin lifestyle editor Arnel Patawaran’s fascination for the Fremantle Harbor area is cast in stone.
Shiela Yuliong, PAL AVP and regional head, (left) watches the baby kangaroo or joey peeking out of the mommy kangaroo’s pouch.
The author Millet Mananquil and top social media influencer Tim Yap petting the wombat at Caversham Wildlife Park.
STAR Property Report Ph editor and op-ed columnist Iris Gonzales bonds with a koala.
Joanne Rae Ramirez, PeopleAsia editor in chief and STAR Newsmakers editor, checks if the sheep have any wool.
Bulletin lifestyle editor Arnel Patawaran’s fascination for the Fremantle Harbor area is cast in stone.
Shiela Yuliong, PAL AVP and regional head, (left) watches the baby kangaroo or joey peeking out of the mommy kangaroo’s pouch.
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It’s a happy 82nd year in service for Asia’s oldest operating airline.