Philippines woos Russians with planned new flights from Vladivostok and Khabarovsk

Airlines from the Philippines are seeking to tap into the Russian market after  a recently-inked new air services agreement between the two countries. Cebu Pacific has applied for three weekly Manila-Vladivostok-Manila flights, newspaper The Manila Times reported on Monday. The airline is seeking the same number of flights to Moscow. 

Zest Airways Inc (AirAsia Zest) separately applied for a routing Kalibo-Vladivostok-Kalibo four times a week. Philippine Airlines (PAL) has applied for three flights a week linking Manila and Khabarovsk, and four connecting Cebu and Khabarovsk.

It already operates between Manila and Vladivostok, and also between Kalibo and Vladivostok, and is seeking five weekly return flights between Manila and Moscow.

It aims to further develop the tourist and travel market, said the newspaper. 

The trend highlights that despite the fall in the value of the rouble - which has led to fewer Russians travelling to traditional Asian tourism destinations such as Thailand - the potential market is seen as strong. 

Thai Airways this year suspended its flights between Bangkok and Moscow. 

Philippines Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla said: 'While Russia is encountering difficulties, it's still a very strong market and people are travelling. It's a very lucrative market.'