PAL expects passenger volume to increase this year

By Mary Ann Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated April 21, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The number of Philippine Airlines (PAL) passengers flying this Holy Week is expected to increase slightly compared to last year, as the flag carrier maintains its regular domestic and international schedules with minor adjustments in domestic flights on Good Friday and Black Saturday.

From April 17 (Palm Sunday) to April 24 (Easter Sunday), PAL expects to fly close to 200,000 passengers throughout its network of 26 international and 20 domestic destinations.

The flag carrier’s international passengers are expected to exceed 90,000 - a five percent increase compared to 2010. Total domestic passengers are expected to reach about 100,000.

Last year, actual domestic passengers flown were 97,838. The positive passenger numbers indicate continuing confidence in the flag carrier despite many challenges.

All flights for Holy Week - except 16 domestic flights - will follow published schedules.

In observance of Good Friday and Black Saturday, the following will not be operated: April 22 - PR131/132 & PR157/158 (Manila-Bacolod, vice versa); PR849/850 & PR855/856 (Manila-Cebu, v.v.); PR185/186 & PR281/282 (Manila-Cagayan de Oro, v.v.); PR187/188 (Manila-Cotabato, v.v.); PR821/822 (Manila-Davao, v.v.); PR139/140 & PR143/144 (Manila-Iloilo, v.v.); PR393/394 (Manila-Tacloban, v.v.); and PR123/124 (Manila-Zamboanga, v.v.)

April 23 - PR843/844 (Manila-Cebu, v.v.); PR181/182 (Manila-Cagayan de Oro, v.v.); PR139/140 & PR143/144 (Manila-Iloilo, v.v.)

PAL employees who are required to report for duty between April 21 (Maundy Thursday) and April 24 (Easter Sunday) shall receive special incentive pay.

PAL is giving the additional P700 per day on top of the daily rate, holiday pay (double the daily rate) and overtime to those required to work during the holidays. This includes pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, administrative personnel and management officials. The extra remuneration is being given as part of PAL’s 70th anniversary celebration.