The country's flag carrier looks to soar 'nonstop' in the skies again

The country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, is flying "nonstop" again, introducing new routes, services, and products that reinforce its reputation as the top airline of choice in the Philippines.

During its recent 82nd anniversary "Fly to New Discoveries" media luncheon at the Century Park Hotel in Manila, top PAL executives bared to the media the developments, both recent and upcoming ones, that the airlines will be rolling out soon.

PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng said that the airline is opening more flights to stimulate tourism and economic activity in the Philippines.

“At 82, Philippine Airlines is younger than ever and focused intently on enhancing the travel experience of our valued customers," he said. "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 bring value to our passengers."

At the media luncheon, Captain Stanley Ng and Lucio Tan III bared the new programs and developments aimed to elevate the experience of PAL passengers.

Those who are on "revenge travel" mode (and loyal PAL flyers) would be thrilled to know that starting March 27, 2023, they can fly directly to Perth, Australia and the Western Australia region.

PAL is also looking to build up daily flights to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, and Xiamen in April, while increasing service to Beijing in May.

South Koreans will have more reason to visit Boracay or the Western Visayas region soon, as the airline will introduce non-stop flights between Kalibo and Incheon and Seoul starting April 2023.

Those who love coming back to Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau for vacation or shopping sprees will have more flight options now as PAL is resuming regular flights to these cosmopolitan regions.

Aside from upgrading its widebody fleet especially for long-haul flights, PAL is reactivating the aircrafts that were parked during the pandemic. It aims to make its entire fleet of 75 operational by the fourth quarter of 2023.

Captain Stanley Ng also bared the other new developments that PAL has been busy working on the past several months.

The Mabuhay Lounge in NAIA Terminal 1 is also being "refreshed," with new furniture and modern interiors that reflect the brand's youthful, trendier vibe. Aside from the requisite food and beverage buffet service, the lounge will have free Wi-Fi service and shower rooms for those who want to freshen up before their flights. This new lounge is expected to open later in 2023.

Travelers on board PAL Business Class flights to North America and Australia can also look forward to the Anniversary Menu specially prepared by PAL AVP, Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer. It includes such offerings as Tiger Prawn Sinigang, Adlai Champorado, and many more.

An improved customer hub called YourPAL is also rolling out soon where passengers can get the info they need for their upcoming flights, like luggage restrictions, safety protocols, check-in and boarding procedures, and many more, via online chat or call.

All hands on deck. (From left) Jason Siy, VP - Cargo Business; Alvin Limcueco, SVP-Supply Chain; Rabbi Vincent Ang, Officer-In-Charge, PALex President; Captain Stanley Ng, President and COO of Philippine Airlines; Atty. Carlu Fernandez, SVP & General Counsel; Ria Domingo, VP Marketing; Mac Munsayac, Head of Customer Experience; Mr. Christoph Gaertner, VP- Fleet & Network Planning