UNITED Airlines (UAL) today begins its new nonstop service between Manila and San Francisco — the airlines' first trans-Pacific service between the Philippines and the continental United States.

UAL executives and government officials celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International (NAIA) Terminal 3 departure gate before the first flight from Manila departed for San Francisco. Present during the ceremony were UAL Regional Director for Asia Pacific Region Walter Dias, Country Manager for Sales – Philippines Pam Navarro, Managing Director for International Sales Marcel Fuchs, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Transportation Undersecretary Roberto Lim, Tourism Regional Director Sharlene Batin, and American Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe and General Manager for Airport Operations Guam Samuel Shinohara.