XIAMEN Airlines launched on Tuesday, December 18, flights between Quanzhou and Davao City. The twice weekly flight is the first air link between Davao City and mainland China. The flight will provide Dabawenyos access to more Chinese cities.
In October, Cathay Dragon also launched flights between Hong Kong and Davao City. Hong Kong being a major international hub in Asia gives Dabawenyos and Mindanawons access to various global cities.
These flights are important in boosting the economic and tourism activity between Davao City and key cities in East Asia. Historically, cities with a strong linkage between other key cities are seen to help foster one another's economy.
The opening of these linkages are seen to open opportunities to Mindanawon and Chinese investors. For instance, a number of banana and other fruit exporters based in Davao City will have better access with their partners in mainland China. They will not need to go through Metro Manila anymore just to meet with their clients.
The Hong Kong and Davao air link will also allow Davao businessmen to explore other markets beyond Asia. Hong Kong will connect Dabawenyos to European, African, Middle Eastern, and North American destinations.
These new flights will serve as a door to foreigners who want to explore Mindanao without passing Cebu or Metro Manila. Advertisements that will be placed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) at the Hong Kong International Airport will let foreign passengers know and be aware of a new destination to the Philippines from Hong Kong. That is if DOT does place advertisements there.
These air links are definitely a welcome development for Davao City. They will not only foster economic and tourism development in Davao City but for Mindanao as well.
Meanwhile, let us hope that Qatar Airways will follow through with its announcement that it will be launching flights to Davao City. It made an announcement that it will be launching the flight in 2018 or 2019. As 2018 is about to end, let us hope that it will push through in 2019.