PAL gears up for two ‘long weekends’

In preparation for two long weekends (October 29 to November 1 and November 5-7), Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing flight frequencies to 11 domestic and two (2) 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 (Friday) 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 (Nov. 5-7) after Malacanang declared November 7 a holiday in celebration of the Eid’l Adha or the “Festival of Sacrifice” for Muslims.

Travelers are advised to check out PAL’s website at www.philippineairlines.com; log on to PAL’s Facebook and Twitter accounts; or call the PAL Reservations Hotline at 855-8888 for more information on the flag carrier’s flight schedule covering 20 domestic and 26 international routes.

The public is also advised to book early, in anticipation of increased flight reservations for the two long weekends. PAL assures its passengers that the airline 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, 24/7.

Meanwhile, PAL’s airport and flight operations remain normal as passenger and ground handling are being taken care of by third party service providers and licensed technical personnel, respectively. 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 (inbound/outbound). This number represents 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 increases indicate that it 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.

http://www.businessweekmindanao.com/2011/10/24/pal-gears-up-for-two-%E2%80%98long-weekends%E2%80%99/