SAN FRANCISCO, USA – United Airlines made history by launching its inaugural direct flight, UA Flight 191, from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the first U.S. airline to fly direct to the Philippines from continental United States.
Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer and Madame Miriam Ferrer led the launch of the maiden flight from San Francisco.
“This exciting new route signifies not only a significant milestone for United Airlines but also a testament to the strengthening of economic ties and people-to-people connections between our nations,” Consul General Ferrer said in his remarks.
“Now, more travelers from continental United States will be able to experience first-hand why there is so much to see and much more to ‘love the Philippines,’” Consul General Ferrer added.
Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Director Soleil P. Tropicales of the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in San Francisco, Economic Assistant Jennifer Sto. Domingo, and Assistant Michelle Raiz, joined the Philippine Consul General in the event.
Consul General Ferrer noted that the event was not only historic but meaningful as it coincided with the celebration of Filipino American History Month, which commemorates the first documented presence of Filipinos in Morro Bay, California, in October 1587. Over 4.2 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans currently live in the U.S.
United Airlines Vice President for San Francisco Lori Augustine highlighted the airlines’ status as a premier international network, connecting numerous destinations worldwide, including Manila.
San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa lauded this latest accomplishment by United Airlines, recognizing the significant Filipino American population in San Mateo County. He proclaimed October 28 as United Airlines Day in honor of this achievement.
Aboard the Boeing 777 aircraft of UA Flight 191 were 307 passengers, including airline officials and lifestyle influencers such as @bucketlistbums, @laxtoluxury, @cherrielynn, and @johnrickalmonte, who were invited to explore a few tourist destinations in the Philippines.
The celebration featured lively dancing at the SFO boarding gate led by United Airlines’ Filipino American staff members. An array of refreshments was available at the gate adorned with Filipino decorations such as bahay kubo (nipa hut), sari-sari store (variety store), and a jeepney.
The Boeing 777 that will fly UA Flight 191 to Manila for the first time (San Francisco PCG photo)
Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer addresses the assembly at the launch of United Airlines’ direct service to Manila at San Francisco International Airport last October 28. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer (center-left) and United Airlines Vice President for San Francisco Lori Augustine (center-right) led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the launch of United Airlines’ direct service to Manila at San Francisco International Airport last October 28. San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa (third from right) also joined the event. (San Francisco PCG photo)
Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer (center-right) and Madame Miriam Ferrer (center-left) receive token boarding passes for United Airlines’ maiden San Francisco-Manila flight. Also in the photo are, from left to right: Secretary to the Consul General Michelle Raiz; Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil; Director Soleil Tropicales of the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in San Francisco; and Economic Assistant Jennifer Sto. Domingo. (San Francisco PCG photo)
