MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines is strengthening its Cebu hub by adding flight frequencies and seat capacity.

Beginning this month, PAL is increasing domestic frequencies by 10 percent, or 287 weekly round-trip flights via the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The Tan-led carrier will use larger aircraft with 199-seat capacity instead of 86-seater aircraft on certain routes.

This would boost the seat capacity via Cebu by 17 percent or over 39,000.

“These additional flights and greater seat capacity reflect our flag carrier’s commitment to increase connectivity, to boost the economy, and help drive tourism across our inter-island network from Cebu,” said PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang in a statement on Thursday.

In time for summer, PAL weekly flights from Cebu to Boracay; and Siargao will increase from 14 to 21 and 18 to 26, respectively.

Via Cebu, flights to and from Palawan will also increase from seven to 14 weekly via Puerto Princesa; and from 14 to 17 weekly via Coron (Busuanga).

The additional frequencies will provide travelers the flexibility to choose from a wider array of flights to these destinations, PAL said.

Meanwhile, PAL is likewise expanding its international flight services via Cebu with the launch of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) flights in May.

PAL flies to 31 domestic destinations and connects to 37 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. (PNA)