As an important node country along the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, the Philippines is Fujian's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In 2019, the amount of Fujian exports to the Philippines reached 55.17 billion yuan, a significant increase of 31.5% year-on-year. Frequent economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between Fujian Province and the Philippines call for urgent action to launch an airline route connecting Fujian and the Philippines for further interconnection.

Operated by Fujian Shengqian Technology Co., Ltd. (navigated by Central Airlines), the regular cargo-only international flight from Fuzhou to Manila had its launching ceremony and maiden flight at Fuzhou airport on January 8th, 2021. On every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, this cargo flight will depart from Fuzhou at 13:00 and land in Manila by 15:30. After that, it will return from Manila at 16:00 and back to Fuzhou airport by 19:10.

The launch and regular operations of this international cargo flight marked the successful implementation of the connectivity project led by the Department of Commerce of Fujian Province, bringing an end to the history of no regular international cargo-only flights between Fuzhou and Manila, capital cities of Fujian Province and the Philippines. Meanwhile, it also strengthened the connectivity between Fujian Province and other countries along the Maritime Silk Road, and thus improved the air layout of “Fly Along the Maritime Silk Road” project. With the dual support of RCEP and China-ASEAN FTA, it will also further promote economic and trade cooperation between Fujian Province and the Philippines.

Source：Sohu.com