The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday night that Manila will become the first Asian destination for the Hawaiian Airlines (HA), America’s 2007 top airline in quality ratings.

The DFA, in a statement on its website (www.dfa.gov.ph) said the HA, Hawaii’s first and largest airline, will offer nonstop flights between Honolulu and Manila starting April 14, after HA completed all US and Philippine government formalities and logistical requirements.

“The HA service to Manila is a welcome development for the large Filipino-American community in Hawaii as well as for the general public. This augurs well for the Philippine tourism industry and for business in general on both sides of the Pacific,” the DFA said.

Mark Dunkerley, HA President and CEO added they “see the Philippines economy growing and we are clearly aware of the strong ties between Hawaii and the Philippines.”

“HA is ranked as America’s #1 airline in the 2007 Airline Quality Ratings,” the DFA said.

A statement on the HA’s Philippine website (www.hawaiianair.com.ph) Friday announced it is now booking “Nonstop service to Manila!”

“Hawaiian Airlines proudly announces nonstop flights between Honolulu and Manila starting April 14, 2008. Tickets are available now,” it said.

HA nonstop HNL-MNL-HNL flights are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, providing more convenient choices for the traveling public aside.

Roundtrip fares for the new service begin at 8 in coach class. Ticket sales have begun on the HA website and through its reservations call center based in the Philippines, as well as through travel agents in the US and the Philippines.

The HA website offered travelers from the Philippines “comfort and convenience,” including four weekly nonstop flights, comfortable seating on spacious 767 widebody planes, and warm Hawaiian hospitality, from booking to boarding.

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