Tashkent, the capital city of former Soviet republic Uzbekistan, is home to many Overseas Filipino Workers. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, many  have been clamoring to return home to the Philippines to join their families. 

Their wish finally came true when a Philippine Airlines Airbus A330 (PR8688/RP-C8764) touched down at Tashkent International Airport at 3:22AM local time, August 22, following a 9-hour and 30-minute non-stop journey from Manila. According to PAL, this is a milestone flight marking the carrier’s first journey to the capital city of Uzbekistan. 

In command of the MNL-TAS flight was PAL's A330/A350 Chief Pilot, Capt. Emmanuel 'Butch' Generoso, assisted by his son, First Officer Jose Iñigo Generoso and Second Officer Erick James Baloria. 

"This pandemic has posed challenges in all of our lives, but when opportunity calls, we must help those in need for as long as we can. It is an honor to be of service to our countrymen," says Capt. Butch. 

For the return flight to Manila, Capt. Richard Allan Solapco led the flight deck crew, assisted by First Officer Paolo Padla and Second Officer Martin Tamondong. Flight Purser Maria Elva Barrientos heads the cabin crew team. 

The flight is now en route Manila with 257 passengers on board.

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