PAL named among Top 10 safest airlines amid COVID-19 pandemic

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is one of the top 10 airlines when it comes to safety for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Safe Travel Barometer.

PAL got a rating of 4.2 out of 5.0, tying with China Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, AirAsia and Emirates.

More than 150 airlines were rated for their performance in the pre-flight, actual flight and post flight stages.

The airlines were also given a rating for COVID-19 related hygiene and safety measures they announced to passengers and crew.

Lufthansa topped the list with a rating of 4.5.

It was followed by Vistara, Delta Airlines and Allegiant Air at 4.4.

Alaska Airlines rounded out the top 10 list with a rating of 4.1.

PAL welcomed the recognition and promised to maintain its standards.

"We are grateful for the unexpected recognition, and honored to be recognized for doing the right thing. PAL shall continue to maintain the highest standards of safety and the protection of the health of our colleagues and all the passengers in our care," PAL president and chief operating officer Gilbert Santa Maria said in a statement.

Safe Travel Barometer is a subsidiary of VIDEC, a travel industry advisory and consulting firm.

Safe Travel co-founder and chief executive Virenda Jain said the barometer was set "to benchmark travel brands' initiatives to reduce traveller anxiety." —KG, GMA News