DAVAO — The country’s flag carrier is sending its most advanced long‑haul jet to Mindanao to welcome a flood of festival visitors. Philippine Airlines will deploy its flagship Airbus A350‑1000 on select Manila‑Davao flights this month, turning the journey itself into a memorable part of the Kadayawan experience.
A Rare Treat for Domestic Travelers
The A350‑1000 normally serves PAL’s premier routes to New York and Toronto, making this domestic appearance a special event. With 382 seats—including 42 lie‑flat business class suites and 24 premium economy spots—the aircraft offers an international‑grade cabin on a local hop. For many passengers, it will be the first time to experience a wide‑body jet on a domestic flight.
PAL’s VisMin Passenger Sales Manager Paolo Rene de Rivera said the deployment is a tribute to the festival. He noted that the airline wanted to bring its newest aircraft to Davao because Kadayawan holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. The A350‑1000 is the first of its kind in Asia, and its presence on the Manila‑Davao route underscores the importance of the celebration.
Chasing a Quarter‑Million Visitors
The special flights come as Davao City targets an ambitious 250,000 tourist arrivals for this year’s Kadayawan, up from 205,000 last year. City Tourism Operations head Willenito Tormis said the expanded lineup of 26 events—compared to 16 in the previous year—is designed to be louder, more colorful, and more inclusive. The goal is to spread the festival spirit across every corner of the city.
The city has allocated ₱68 million to stage the festivities, which include the iconic Indak‑Indak street dancing and the Pamulak floral float parade. Tribal houses will be more vibrant, performances more frequent, and the entire celebration more accessible to visitors. The combination of more flights and richer programming is expected to push arrival numbers past the record.
Flying Home After the Fun
PAL’s special A350‑1000 flights will operate from August 13 to 16, aligning perfectly with the festival’s peak dates. The inbound flight brings festival‑goers to Davao just as the main events unfold, while the August 16 return flight ensures a comfortable journey home after the weekend climax. Extra cabin space also accommodates the luggage that comes with pasalubong and festival finds.
Beyond the aircraft, PAL Vice President for Sales and Distribution Justin Warby emphasized that Kadayawan is one of the country’s most vibrant cultural celebrations. The airline sees the deployment as part of its commitment to connect Filipinos with the moments that matter most.
Shopping, Dining, and a Month‑Long Fiesta
The tourism push extends beyond the airport. The Davao Tourist Association has launched the “Big KadayaOne Sale,” running from August 1 to 31. Hotels, resorts, malls, and restaurants are offering discounts, freebies, and special promos that give visitors more reasons to stay longer and spend more. Association President Nicole Hao‑Bian Ledesma described the campaign as a month‑long invitation to shop, dine, and explore Davao.
From the luxury of a flagship jet to the warmth of tribal performances, this year’s Kadayawan is engineered to be unforgettable. The skies above Davao will be busier than ever, and the city is ready to welcome the world.
