CLARK FREEPORT -- Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said Clark is now becoming both a logistics hub and a center of air passengers.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief issued the statement during the Korean Air's inauguration of flights from Incheon, South Korea to Clark International Airport on Sunday, October 27.
"I've always been a staunch believer of Clark as a destination for passengers and logistics hub of Central Luzon. Many times when I was the president of Clark [Development Corporation], I had spoken about this but in as many as I talked about this, the same did not listen believe," Tugade said.
Five months ago, Tugade said they invited Korean Air to establish routes in Clark, which is now becoming the center of several carriers.
"Now after so many years, Korean Airline is coming. Now after so many years, there is an opportunity to welcome Korean Airline," Tugade said.
"My family is waiting for me now because it is Sunday. I am ready to incur the suspicion if not the ire of my wife but not to incur the doubt of Korean Airlines in my belief that Korean Airline should be here in Clark," he added.
Tugade thanked Korean Air Regional Manager Cheol Lee for launching the flight in Clark.
The carrier uses a wide-bodied aircraft in its Clark route and this manifest that there is a [good] market in Central Luzon and Clark, according to Tugade.
"I know that Korean Airlines come here not because of the bottom line, the revenue that is to be generated but more importantly and this was mentioned to me by Ambassador Han Dong-Man, he said if we are going to Clark and if we are going to expand our operation in the Philippines it's because we want to show our faith and trust to the Republic of the Philippines. It's because we want to show our support to President Duterte," Tugade said.