The domestic route expansion of Philippine Airlines (PAL) continues with the opening of eight new routes – from Clark and Cebu – in the first quarter of 2017.

These are Clark-Cebu, Clark-Davao, Clark-Puerto Princesa, Clark-Coron (Busuanga), Cebu-Puerto Princesa, Cebu-General Santos, Cebu-Surigao, Cebu-Coron (Busuanga).

“We are introducing new domestic routes to allow travelers to reach their desired destinations without the need to transit in Manila. Passengers get to experience the unique PAL brand of service even on short flights,” said PAL President Jaime J. Bautista.

The four times a week Clark to Cebu service started January 30, 2017, departing Clark 7:00 a.m. Flights will increase to daily on March 26.

The three times weekly Clark to Davao flight stated February 1, leaving Clark 10:50 a.m. The service increases to four times weekly on March 26.

The three times a week Clark to Puerto Princesa service starts March 26, departing Clark also at 10:50 a.m.

Lastly, the daily Clark to Coron flights, using the 56-seater Q300 airplane, will begin also March 26.

The other new routes out of Clark will use the 199-seater Airbus A321 jet.

PAL started using Clark as hub of operations Dec. 16, 2016 with a Clark-Caticlan service, followed by the first international flight, Clark-Incheon, on Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, the four new routes out of Cebu begin March 26.

Cebu-Puerto Princesa flights will be four times a week; Cebu-General Santos three times a week; Cebu-Surigao three times a week; and Cebu-Coron daily.

Flights to Puerto Princesa and General Santos will use the 156-seater A320 aircraft. Flights to Surigaoo will use the 76-seater Q400 while those to Coron will use the Q300.

The new routes from Cebu bring to 12 the total number of domestic points, apart from Manila, linked to Cebu.

PAL operated its first Manila-Cebu flight in 1946 after World War II. The flag carrier used to operate missionary flights to link the islands and help spur economic development in the countryside