Connects CRK to Taiwan, Rest of Asia, North America, Australia and Europe
By Marna del Rosario and Noel Tulabut
CLARK FREEPORT — Clark International Airport (CRK) welcomed on March 30 EVA Air’s maiden flight, launching its daily nonstop flights between Taipei and Clark.
The daily flight from Taiwan’s main airport, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Clark International Airport (CRK), departs at 9:00 AM and arrives at 11:00 AM. Flight from CRK to TPE departs at 12:00 PM and arrives at 2:00 PM.
The daily flights offer travelers more arrival and departure options from all over Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.
EVA Air President Clay Sun and guests arrived onboard the inaugural flight and were welcomed by Mr. Noel Manankil, President and CEO of LIPAD, the private consortium that manages Clark International Airport, and Ms. Aileen Anunciacion Zosa, President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
Ambassador Peiyung Hsu, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines also met with Mr. Sun upon arrival.
In a message, Manankil said, “Together with EVA Air, we give Filipino travelers convenient access to Taiwan’s many attractions, even as we also connect them with the rest of the world.”
“EVA serves three important gateways in the Philippines with 35 flights a week, Manila, Cebu and now, Clark.” said President Sun, “Clark service not only reduces travel time from the airport to popular northern Luzon Island but also gives Filipino passengers an alternative way to fly to Taiwan and connect onward to destinations in Northeast Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.”
Philippine passport holders, except those holding diplomatic or official/service passports, can avail of Taiwan’s visa exemption program, which is valid until July 31, 2023.
During the program, they were also joined by Mabalacat Mayor Cris Garbo, CDC President Agnes Devanadera, other executives from LIPAD, BCDA, CIAC and Department of Tourism.
Also leading the event are representatives from the Department of Tourism Region 3 and Clark Development Corporation.
Officials from Mabalacat City, Angeles City, and Pampanga were also present.
The inbound flight to Clark using Airbus A321 was full with 184 passengers while the outbound to Taipei had 143.
Already, the Taipei-Clark-Taipei flight of EVA Air is said to be fully booked until May this year. The airline is reportedly intending to use a Boeing 787 or other bigger aircraft to accommodate more bookings.
Details about EVA Air’s routes and flight schedule are available at www.evaair.com.
(Photos by Noel Tulabut, Marna del Rosario)
