FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will introduce regular jet flights between Cotabato City and Tawi-Tawi in June, inaugurating the first-ever air links within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Commencing on June 9, 2022, the new Cotabato–Tawi-Tawi–Cotabato PAL service will operate twice weekly, with convenient morning departures every Monday and Thursday.

Available flights to be launched are PR 2487 Cotabato to Tawi-Tawi – every Monday and Thursday departing at 7:30 a.m. and PR 2488 Tawi-Tawi to Cotabato every Monday and Thursday departing at 9:40 a.m.

PAL will deploy Airbus A320 aircraft on this pioneering route, offering a choice of Premium Economy and Economy seating on the non-stop flights across the Sulu Sea.

The new service connects BARMM’s mainland areas to its island region, with Cotabato’s Awang Airport and Tawi-Tawi’s Sanga-Sanga airport as travel gateways.

By taking PAL’s non-stop flights, travelers will save several hours versus the previous choice of traveling via Manila or other domestic gateways outside BARMM that entail a connection between flights or even an overnight stop.

“We are honored to make history by operating the first flight within the new Bangsamoro region, giving us a new opportunity to serve its 4.9 million people,” said PAL’s President and COO (Chief Operating Officer) Captain Stanley K. Ng.

“We look forward to contributing, in our own way, to the development of tourism and commerce in Bangsamoro through regular flights that help promote unity and economic activity in this dynamic region as well for the rest of Mindanao,” Captain Ng added.

“We in the Bangsamoro government, together with the Mindanao Development Authority and the concerned local government units (LGUs), are happy that Philippine Airlines has announced this long-awaited service between Cotabato and Tawi-Tawi in support of the economic and tourism development of BARMM,” said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim.

“We have high hopes for success, and we will do all possible to support this historic venture for the benefit of our constituents,” Ebrahim pointed out.

PAL also operates regular daily flights between Manila and Cotabato City and is expanding flight services to, from, and within Mindanao, as it befits the island’s status as a “prime economic center” of the Philippines.

For bookings and ticketing, travelers may log on to www.philippineairlines.com or visit the nearest PAL ticketing office or partner travel agent.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi