MANILA – Two international carriers have included Manila in their operations.

Hong Kong-based carrier Greater Bay Airlines (HB) has launched five times weekly flights beginning Thursday (Nov. 9).

The HB will fly to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Its aircraft will arrive in Manila at 2 a.m. and depart for Hong Kong at 3 a.m.

Batik Air Malaysia, meanwhile, will launch daily services to and from Kuala Lumpur starting Dec. 1.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said it has yet to receive information on Batik Air’s flight frequency.

On Thursday, the MIAA announced that Batik Air flight OD 510 will arrive at NAIA at 2:50 a.m., while flight OD 511 will depart at 3:50 a.m.

“Apart from expanding the range of destinations for Filipinos and international guests flying to and from NAIA, we also seek to diversify our airline roster, ultimately benefiting passengers who will have access to more affordable and competitive air fares, as well as a wider array of flight options, including different departure times, various service classes, and potentially more convenient routes,” MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said in a statement.

With the inclusion of these airlines, the NAIA becomes a hub to 48 carriers, 42 of which are foreign.

Co said they will continue to enhance the capacity to accommodate more carriers and flights.

About 800 flights are being accommodated at the NAIA within a 24-hour window, according to the MIAA. (PNA)