Philippine Airlines (PAL) marks its 82nd anniversary in the midst of a transformation journey, as the airline continues to build up its route network and introduce new products and service innovations to give travelers more reasons to fly and create new experiences.
The flag carrier operated its first commercial flight, a domestic hop from Manila to Baguio City, on March 15, 1941. More than eight decades later, PAL is rolling out new routes and working on fleet expansion, digital innovations, customer service enhancements and a last-mile cargo delivery service, while adopting a younger look and more vibrant feel.
“At 82, Philippine Airlines is younger than ever and focused intently on enhancing the travel experience of our valued customers. We face the great challenge of rebuilding tourism and economic growth, and we are responding by ramping up flights, introducing routes to Australia and China that enable us to fly in more tourists and generate more business, and developing exciting products and services that will make bring value to our passengers,” said PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng. “We are grateful for the support of our customers in this time of continuing transition and renewal. We look forward to serving them well and inspiring more people to fly and discover new experiences with PAL.”
At a media gathering in Manila on March 15, PAL reported on the following new programs and developments geared towards elevating the experience of its passengers:
New Look of PAL
● Travelers will see more of PAL’s refreshed look in airports and on digital platforms starting this month, echoing the airline’s dynamism and energy with 82 years of service and experience.
New Reasons to Fly
● PAL’s Anniversary Seat Sale has been extended until March 19, allowing more passengers to enjoy great deals as low as PHP 182 one-way base fare for domestic flights and as low as USD99 roundtrip base fare for international destinations, available on all PAL routes.
● Travelers may explore new destinations and travel experiences as PAL continues to expand its global flight route network to serve growing passenger demand and support the recovery of tourism and business:
○ Travelers can now fly directly to Perth, Australia, the first nonstop flight to link the Philippines with Perth and the Western Australia region, starting on March 27, 2023.
○ PAL is introducing non-stop flights linking Kalibo with Seoul Incheon in South Korea starting in April 2023, a new regional service targeting tourists visiting Boracay and the Central Philippines. The new route will complement recently expanded PAL flights between Clark and Seoul.
○ Having restored most of its mainland China routes in recent weeks, PAL will build up to daily flights to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jinjiang and Xiamen this April, while increasing service to Beijing to six weekly flights in May.
○ New island-hopper routes from Clark to Coron (Busuanga) and Boracay (Caticlan) in April are expected to further stimulate domestic tourism.
○ PAL is resuming regular flights between Manila and Macau this April, completing a major expansion of services to eight cities in Greater China. PAL now offers a combined 42 weekly flights to Hong Kong and Taipei from Manila.
● Travelers may score the lowest deals via the new Flights Deals Portal, a more searchable platform that passengers can easily access and navigate.
● PAL is upgrading its widebody fleet to significantly improve the experience of traveling on long-haul flights. Additionally, the airline is reactivating more aircraft that had been parked during the pandemic, with its entire fleet of 75 aircraft expected to be operational in Q4 2023.
New Experiences with PAL
- PAL will soon be offering a new Port-to-Door Service, where cargo customers can have their shipments delivered to their doorsteps, hassle-free.
- PAL will open an expansive New Mabuhay Lounge for international departures at Manila airport’s Terminal 1 later in 2023, featuring a contemporary design and a younger, trendier vibe to go with PAL’s brand of customer service. The lounge will offer a food and beverage buffet service, shower rooms and free Wi-Fi in a premium haven good for pre-flight work or relaxation.
- Part of wider efforts to elevate the flight experience, PAL passengers flying in Business Class to North America and Australia can look forward to PAL’s Anniversary Menu, a gastronomic journey of bolder flavors and textures launched by PAL’s inflight catering experts led by PAL AVP, Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer. The menu includes delicious offerings like Tiger Prawn Sinigang, Adlai Champorado and many more.
- PAL is launching the MilesBack program, an online service portal that allows passengers to earn Miles by shopping through PAL’s partner merchants.
- Travelers can fly more confidently with YourPAL, a reworked customer service hub that allows passengers to search for needed information such as luggage restrictions, safety protocols, check-in and boarding procedures, and many more. Travelers can chat with or call YourPAL for any flight needs and inquiries.
Carrying its 82-year legacy further, Philippine Airlines is renewing its core mission to serve the Filipino people as well as introduce global citizens to the Philippines as a strong tourist and business destination. This commitment, says the flag carrier, is at the heart of its transformation journey and its plans and programs for the coming years.
