AirAsia launches its first direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila.

Accordingly, the flight departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 1:35 AM (local time) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The return flight departs from Manila at 11:25 PM (local time) on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Previously, AirAsia Flight Z2 295, piloted by Captain Dexter Comendador, brought the first 171 Vietnamese passengers to Manila at 1:35 AM on November 18, 2017. The iconic red AirAsia aircraft arrived at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino) International Airport at 5:15 AM (local time).

AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador said, "AirAsia is a Southeast Asian product and we feel very proud to be a part of what we call home. Three days ago, we officially introduced our Southeast Asian aircraft, branded 'I Love ASEAN,' one of the aircraft marking the founding of the Southeast Asian bloc and celebrating our commitment as an airline with direct flights to all ten Southeast Asian countries. With the launch of this direct flight, we want to demonstrate our commitment to connecting Southeast Asian nations more strongly and closely."

The Philippines is made up of over 7,500 islands, which is why it boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches, including Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. Manila, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon Island, the largest island, is also known as a city of fun and experiences. Festivals take place almost year-round, showcasing unique cultural aspects such as Jeepneys – a type of public transportation with eye-catching decorations characteristic of Philippine art and culture, and shopping experiences ranging from colorful open-air markets to upscale shopping malls. There are also a variety of local specialties such as Lechon (whole roasted suckling pig seasoned in the Philippine style), Humba pork, grilled pork with banana, Tsitsaron (pork cracklings), Isaw chicken, and Halo Halo dessert.

AirAsia Philippines operates 17 aircraft with domestic and international flights from its hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo. AirAsia operates flights to/from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark, and Iloilo in the Philippines, with international flights to/from Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, and Singapore.

The Thanh