XiamenAir begins service between Fuzhou Changle International Airport, in the Chinese province of Fujian, and Kalibo International Airport in Kalibo, Aklan next month, starting on April 2.

Flights are scheduled to run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

According to Department of Tourism (DOT) attaché Rene Reyes, the new route will increase seating capacity from China by 2,160 per month.

“Through this new flight, we expect Chinese tourist arrivals [will] significantly increase and contribute substantially to the local economy,” added DOT-Region VI director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas.

Last August, a XiamenAir 737 landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila skidded off the runway with pilots blaming a “sudden downpour” upon landing./WDJ