OREANDA-NEWS. Abu Dhabi Airports welcomed yesterday the inaugural flight of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Asia's first airline, arriving from Manila last night. The first flight marked the commencement of a five times weekly service between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Manila, by Philippines Airlines.

The inaugural flight arrived to Abu Dhabi with the airlines' representatives onboard and was greeted with the traditional water cannon salute and by Abu Dhabi Airports' key team members. The new route will operate an Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a seat configuration of 39 premium economy seats and 375 economy class seats.

Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: "Philippine Airlines is an important partner for Abu Dhabi International Airport as the demand for new routes to popular destinations continues to increase.  Through the Capacity Enhancement Plan, Abu Dhabi Airports is making the infrastructure improvements necessary to best serve the anticipated influx in passengers using our existing and future airline partners, and to enable Abu Dhabi International Airport to maintain its position as a growing international aviation hub."

PAL will fly to Abu Dhabi five times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday), departing Manila at 4:25 PM and arriving at 9:45 PM. Flight leaves Abu Dhabi at 11:15 PM and arrives Manila at 12:25 PM the next day.

Mr. Ramon S. Ang, President and COO of Philippines Airlines said: "We have returned to Abu Dhabi after an absence of more than 15 years to serve the large Filipino community in the United Arab Emirates".

"Our new airplanes will complement the warm and gracious inflight service that will hopefully earn the support and patronage of travelers to and from Abu Dhabi," added PAL President Ramon S. Ang.