MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines will launch direct services between Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam starting July 1.

The new service will utilize Airbus A321 aircraft to accommodate up to 199 passengers, and will be offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

“We at Philippine Airlines are excited to strengthen our close relationship with the Vietnamese people with the introduction of direct Manila-Da Nang flights,” PAL president Stanley Ng said in a statement.

He said PAL is committed to offering greater connectivity and promoting tourism and commerce between the two cities.

"We look forward to welcoming more leisure and business travelers onboard our flights to Da Nang.”

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific was the first to launch direct services to Da Nang via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

For the Lucio Tan-led PAL, Da Nang will be the third major expansion in Vietnam this year.

PAL recently increased flights between Manila and Hanoi to daily and will launch services between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh on May 2.

PAL also operates eight weekly flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh. (PNA)