Philippine Airlines will start operating direct flights between Manila and Brisbane by March 27.

This effectively cuts flying time to less than seven hours from the current one-stop service of 9 hours 20 minutes with a stopover in Darwin.

The Manila – Brisbane nonstop flights will operate four times weekly, utilizing the 254-seater Airbus A340 aircraft initially, and PAL’s brand new Airbus A321 NEOs aircraft later in the first half of 2018.

The A321 NEO is the longer-range version of the popular A321, outfitted with full-flat business class seats and entertainment systems.

Effective May 1, PAL will operate the fourth weekly frequency every Tuesday.

The nonstop service is expected to boost travel and tourism on the increasingly popular route that links the Philippines with the commercial center of Queensland and gateway to the spectacular beaches, theme parks and lush rain forests of the Gold Coast.