PAL adds more domestic flights

Manila Bulletin
October 27, 2011
By Edu Lopez

MANILA, Philippines — In preparation for two long weekends, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing its flight frequencies to 11 domestic and two regional destinations.

These domestic points are Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Ozamiz, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga; while the regional routes are Hong Kong and Singapore.

Thousands of passengers are expected to flock to the country’s airports starting October 28 to enjoy the long weekend leading up to November 1, All Saints' Day and November 2, All Souls' Day.

A similar passenger influx is expected the following week from Nov. 5-7 after Malacañang declared November 7 a holiday in celebration of the Eid’l Adha or the “Festival of Sacrifice” for Muslims.

PAL has urged passengers to book early, in anticipation of increased flight reservations for the two long weekends. The airline assures its passengers that it is prepared to handle the expected influx of passengers for the forthcoming weekend holidays. The expected load factor of flights is a high of 90% for the regional/international sector and a high of 80% for the domestic sector.

PAL is closely coordinating with the Manila International Airport Authority, Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the PNP Aviation Security Group to ensure passenger safety. The flag carrier’s internal security measures are well in place.

Meanwhile, PAL’s airport and flight operations remain normal as passenger and ground handling are being taken cared by third party service providers and licensed technical personnel.

The maintenance of all PAL aircraft is being done by Lufthansa Teknik Philippines. PAL flights are being competently manned by flight deck crews and well-trained cabin crew, who are all considered “safety professionals.”

Starting October 28, the flag carrier will fly an average of 125 flights daily covering international and domestic routes which which represent close to 90% of PAL’s 140 average flights per day prior to September 27.

From a low of 40% capacity during PAL’s transition to third party service providers from September 27-October 3, the flag carrier’s week-on-week capacity has increased and is well on its way to full recovery in terms of number of flights by December.

PAL President Jaime Bautista maintained that safety and service remain the cornerstones of PAL operation. He thanked the flying public for their understanding and patience as PAL’s service providers complete its manpower requirements.