MANILA, Philippines — Two years after its inaugural launch, United Airlines will add a second daily flight linking Manila and San Francisco beginning Oct. 25. This is just in time for the usual holiday peak season.

The American carrier said “travelers from both cities will have the option of a daytime or evening flight for greater convenience.”

This flight, however, will still need government approval.

United, the only US airline serving the Philippines, will deploy a Boeing 777-300ER to service this route.

The company is positioning Manila as a tourist destination with the pending launch of another flight option.

United launched its inaugural Manila-San Francisco flights in 2023. Last year, the airline introduced its San Francisco-Narita-Cebu flights.

Expansion in Southeast Asia

By October, the US airline will offer daily flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh, expanding its presence in Southeast Asia.

It is also set to become the first carrier to introduce nonstop service between the United States and Adelaide, Australia by Dec. 11.

“We offer more than the best schedule and travel options–we connect customers to sought after destinations and opportunities to explore new, vibrant cities,” United senior vice president Patrick Quayle said in a statement.

Eric Ines, General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority, earlier said they were in talks with foreign carriers looking to set up operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Just this week, Air Canada began operating its Manila-Vancouver route, which is available three times weekly. The frequency will increase to four times per week next month. INQ