BORACAY — Despite some light rainfall and overcast skies, budget carrier AirAsia successfully launched its inaugural flights to Caticlan, with two Airbus A320s landing at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport on Wednesday.

The flights to Caticlan, the airline emphasized, are the company's response to the growing demand for a faster way to get to one of the country's top tourist destinations. A direct flight to Caticlan cuts down travel time to Boracay by more than two hours.

The budget carrier, meanwhile, said it will be retaining its flights to Kalibo, Aklan, since the Caticlan airport is more prone to harsh weather conditions as it is near the sea.

Currently, AirAsia has 4 daily flights from Manila to Kalibo, including international flights from Kuala Lumpur, China, and Incheon/Seoul.

According to Captain Gomer Monreal, AirAsia director for flight operations, the company can now fly bigger planes into Caticlan. Thanks to the expanded 1,800-meter runway of the airport's Nabas Apron, which now has nine parking bays.

"Travelers will get to see more of our Airbus A320s' iconic red planes at Caticlan in the coming weeks, as we will also begin to fly Cebu to Caticlan, and Davao to Caticlan on April 22," Monreal said.

To get the latest updates about AirAsia, check out Twitter (@AirAsiaPH), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) and Instagram (@AirAsiaPh).