The Philippine star
December 18, 2012
PEOPLE By Joanne Rae M. Ramirez
It was an “OH!” moment, both for the country and for Philippine Airlines (PAL).
It was a first, as PAL, the first Asian carrier to cross the Pacific (1946) and the first Asian carrier as well to fly to Europe (1947), made Philippine history anew as the first local airline to fly non-stop to Toronto, the largest city in Canada and its financial capital.
Toronto, the gateway to the magnificent Niagara Falls in Canada, and home to the biggest Filipino population (estimated at 200,000) in that country, is PAL’s 26th international destination.
PAL president and CEO Ramon S. Ang noted with pride that the new service, “establishes the flag-carrier’s presence in the North American East coast after 15 years.”
PAL’s maiden flight to Toronto last Nov. 30 officially kicked off the flag carrier’s route expansion plans with more exciting destinations scheduled next year. (PAL sources say the first of the European destinations will be London.)
The 15-hour, non-stop Manila-Toronto service uses PAL’s new long-range Boeing 777-300ER, whose two engines are the largest and most powerful in the world. They can easily cover the 13,230 kilometers between Manila and Toronto non-stop.
The fuel-efficient, wide-body jet features ergonomically designed Recaro seats with individual in-flight entertainment systems. Its in-flight fusion menu includes specialties from world-renowned chefs, including Filipino chefs Glenda Barretto (pork humba) and Jessie Sincioco (estofado) as well as arroz caldo, gourmet tuyo and spicy sardines.
When the PAL B777 landed at Toronto’s Pearson airport, some passengers noted how Filipino airport personnel on the tarmac started waving and taking photos of the aircraft, the Philippine tricolor proudly emblazoned on its tail.
For me, who took the second inaugural flight on Dec. 2, it was a choke-up moment as well, as national pride surged through me.
PAL’s sunny smile shone through freezing Toronto and good weather prevailed, literally and figuratively, throughout the inaugural festivities the airline prepared for its guests, who included tourism and transport officials, businessmen, tour operators and members of media.
***
Toronto is the financial capital of Canada and the fifth most populous city in North America. Nearly all of the world’s culture groups are represented in Toronto, making it a multicultural convergence point for more than 4.5 million people with more than 80 different nationalities and over 100 dialects spoken. The Filipino-Canadian community is the third largest Asian-Canadian group, with the Indian and Chinese communities ranking first and second in size.
According to Ang, “The opening of this new gateway is a response to public clamor, most especially from the Filipino-Canadian community in Toronto.”
PAL country manager in Toronto Allan Coo says from Toronto, passengers may just take a short flight across the border to NYC.
To me, Toronto is a cleaner, less frenzied New York City, where you have the buzz of a financial hub and the calm of a city that still retains its pristine natural beauty. It boasts the longest street in the world (Yonge) and the CN Tower — the fifth tallest free-standing structure on land and in the world and the third tallest free-standing tower. It is Toronto’s national icon and an engineering wonder.
Toronto is also the gateway to the magnificent Horseshoe Falls of the Niagara Falls (the biggest of Niagara’s three falls, the other two being the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls) that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York.
This was one of the biggest “OH” moments of my life — beholding the 16-story-high falls (173 feet), a silvery green horseshoe-shaped water curtain whose thunderous drop on the river courts mist so thick and so refreshing the mist seems like a geyser in itself.
If only to see, feel, taste and hear the Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls — Toronto is worth the 15-hour flight (on a B777, you won’t really think it’s long).
An OH moment is certainly worth a journey of a thousand miles.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
PAL to undertake capital restructuring
The Philippine star
December 18, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - National flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), a unit of publicly-listed PAL Holdings Inc., is beefing up its capital stock to accommodate the entry of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and pursue its aggressive re-fleeting program involving the acquisition of 100 aircraft.
PAL Holdings assistant corporate secretary Cecilia Pesayco informed the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that PAL has filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake a capital restructuring program.
Initially, Pesayco said the airline would decrease its authorized capital stock to P4 billion consisting of 20 billion shares with a par value of P0.20 per share from P16 billion composed of 20 billion shares with a par value of P0.80 per share
She pointed out that PAL would also implement a five-fold increase in authorized capital stock to P20 billion divided into 100 billion shares with a par value of P0.20 per share from P4 billion composed of P0.20 per share.
PAL Holdings raised its authorized capital stock to P23 billion from P20 billion last June 27 to accommodate the entry of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) in the airline controlled by taipan Lucio Tan.
PAL Holdings’ majority shareholder, Trustmark Holdings Corp., subscribed to the increase in authorized capital as well as certain unissued shares of PAL Holdings equivalent to 85 billion common shares worth P17 billion.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Last April, Trustmark Holdings entered into investment agreements with a unit of SMC wholly-owned subsidiary San Miguel Equity Investments Inc. (SMEII) for the acquisition of a 49 percent interest in PAL Holdings.
SMC infused $500 million to buy into PAL and affiliate budget carrier Air Philippines Corp. (AirPhil) through its 49 percent interest in PAL Holdings
The investment was made through SMEII. Under the agreement, Trustmark and Zuma Holdings and Management Corp. -the holding companies of PAL and AirPhil – would issue new shares to SMEII.
PAL is in the middle of a massive refleeting program wherein it intends to acquire 100 aircraft. It entered into a $7 billion deal with Toulouse-based EADS in August to acquire 54 new Airbus aircraft consisting of 34 A321ceo, 10 A321neo, and 10 A330-300s that would be delivered starting next year.
The airline also exercised an option to acquire 10 more wide-bodied planes in another contract worth about $2.5 billion last September.
PAL currently maintains and operates 39 aircraft comprising of five Boeing B747-400s and three B777-300ERs as well as four Airbus A340-300s, eight A330-300s, 15 A320-200s, and four A319-100s.
PAL president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang earlier told reporters that the airline is in the midst of negotiations for the acquisition of the remaining 35 aircraft.
PAL is set to mount flights to Turkey, Kuwait, and Cambodia next year as it awaits the lifting of the ban imposed on domestic carriers by the European Union and the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) due to safety issues.
December 18, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - National flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), a unit of publicly-listed PAL Holdings Inc., is beefing up its capital stock to accommodate the entry of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and pursue its aggressive re-fleeting program involving the acquisition of 100 aircraft.
PAL Holdings assistant corporate secretary Cecilia Pesayco informed the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that PAL has filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake a capital restructuring program.
Initially, Pesayco said the airline would decrease its authorized capital stock to P4 billion consisting of 20 billion shares with a par value of P0.20 per share from P16 billion composed of 20 billion shares with a par value of P0.80 per share
She pointed out that PAL would also implement a five-fold increase in authorized capital stock to P20 billion divided into 100 billion shares with a par value of P0.20 per share from P4 billion composed of P0.20 per share.
PAL Holdings raised its authorized capital stock to P23 billion from P20 billion last June 27 to accommodate the entry of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) in the airline controlled by taipan Lucio Tan.
PAL Holdings’ majority shareholder, Trustmark Holdings Corp., subscribed to the increase in authorized capital as well as certain unissued shares of PAL Holdings equivalent to 85 billion common shares worth P17 billion.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Last April, Trustmark Holdings entered into investment agreements with a unit of SMC wholly-owned subsidiary San Miguel Equity Investments Inc. (SMEII) for the acquisition of a 49 percent interest in PAL Holdings.
SMC infused $500 million to buy into PAL and affiliate budget carrier Air Philippines Corp. (AirPhil) through its 49 percent interest in PAL Holdings
The investment was made through SMEII. Under the agreement, Trustmark and Zuma Holdings and Management Corp. -the holding companies of PAL and AirPhil – would issue new shares to SMEII.
PAL is in the middle of a massive refleeting program wherein it intends to acquire 100 aircraft. It entered into a $7 billion deal with Toulouse-based EADS in August to acquire 54 new Airbus aircraft consisting of 34 A321ceo, 10 A321neo, and 10 A330-300s that would be delivered starting next year.
The airline also exercised an option to acquire 10 more wide-bodied planes in another contract worth about $2.5 billion last September.
PAL currently maintains and operates 39 aircraft comprising of five Boeing B747-400s and three B777-300ERs as well as four Airbus A340-300s, eight A330-300s, 15 A320-200s, and four A319-100s.
PAL president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang earlier told reporters that the airline is in the midst of negotiations for the acquisition of the remaining 35 aircraft.
PAL is set to mount flights to Turkey, Kuwait, and Cambodia next year as it awaits the lifting of the ban imposed on domestic carriers by the European Union and the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) due to safety issues.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
PAL to mount more int’l flights
The Philippine Star
December 13, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - National flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), a joint venture between taipan Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is set to mount flights to Turkey, Kuwait, and Cambodia next year amid its ambitious refleeting program.
In separate petitions filed before the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), PAL sought the green light from the government regulator to fly to Istanbul, Turkey; State of Kuwait; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia next year.
It has filed an application for designation as Philippine official carrier and allocation of entitlements to Istanbul in accordance to the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement and Confidential Memorandum of Understanding entered into by both the Philippines and Turkey in February 2010.
PAL intends to mount flights between Manila and Istanbul three times weekly using either Boeing 777 or Airbus A330-300 starting August next year.
The airline also filed an application for allocation of entitlements to Kuwait where it intends to fly seven times a week starting the summer of 2013. The Philippines and Kuwait entered into a Confidential Memorandum of Understanding in Feb. 2009.
On the other hand, the national flag carrier is seeking a confirmation of its designation as Philippine carrier and reallocation of entitlements to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in accordance with existing Air Service Agreement signed last April and the Confidential of Memorandum of Understanding signed last September 2009.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
The airline intends to mount flights between Manila and Phnom Penh using Airbus A320 starting end-March next year.
President Aquino has signed EO 29 authorizing the CAB and the Philippine air panels to pursue more aggressively the international civil aviation liberalization policy.
To boost the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination and investment location, the government decided to pursue more aggressively a liberalization policy in international aviation through the grant of third, fourth and fifth freedom rights and unrestricted capacities and frequencies to foreign air carriers, among others.
PAL is in the middle of a massive refleeting program wherein it intends to acquire 100 aircraft. It entered into a $7 billion deal with Toulouse-based EADS in August to acquire 54 new Airbus aircraft consisting of 34 A321ceo, 10 A321neo, and 10 A330-300s that would be delivered starting next year.
The airline also exercised an option to acquire 10 more wide-bodied planes in another contract worth about $2.5 billion last September.
PAL currently maintains and operates 39 aircraft comprising of five Boeing B747-400s and three B777-300ERs as well as four Airbus A340-300s, eight A330-300s, 15 A320-200s, and four A319-100s.
SMC through San Miguel Equity Investments Inc. controls about 49 percent of Trustmark Holdings of PAL after infusing $500 million. Trustmark and affiliate Zuma Holdings own PAL Holdings and sister airline AirPhil Express.
December 13, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - National flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), a joint venture between taipan Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is set to mount flights to Turkey, Kuwait, and Cambodia next year amid its ambitious refleeting program.
In separate petitions filed before the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), PAL sought the green light from the government regulator to fly to Istanbul, Turkey; State of Kuwait; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia next year.
It has filed an application for designation as Philippine official carrier and allocation of entitlements to Istanbul in accordance to the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement and Confidential Memorandum of Understanding entered into by both the Philippines and Turkey in February 2010.
PAL intends to mount flights between Manila and Istanbul three times weekly using either Boeing 777 or Airbus A330-300 starting August next year.
The airline also filed an application for allocation of entitlements to Kuwait where it intends to fly seven times a week starting the summer of 2013. The Philippines and Kuwait entered into a Confidential Memorandum of Understanding in Feb. 2009.
On the other hand, the national flag carrier is seeking a confirmation of its designation as Philippine carrier and reallocation of entitlements to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in accordance with existing Air Service Agreement signed last April and the Confidential of Memorandum of Understanding signed last September 2009.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
The airline intends to mount flights between Manila and Phnom Penh using Airbus A320 starting end-March next year.
President Aquino has signed EO 29 authorizing the CAB and the Philippine air panels to pursue more aggressively the international civil aviation liberalization policy.
To boost the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination and investment location, the government decided to pursue more aggressively a liberalization policy in international aviation through the grant of third, fourth and fifth freedom rights and unrestricted capacities and frequencies to foreign air carriers, among others.
PAL is in the middle of a massive refleeting program wherein it intends to acquire 100 aircraft. It entered into a $7 billion deal with Toulouse-based EADS in August to acquire 54 new Airbus aircraft consisting of 34 A321ceo, 10 A321neo, and 10 A330-300s that would be delivered starting next year.
The airline also exercised an option to acquire 10 more wide-bodied planes in another contract worth about $2.5 billion last September.
PAL currently maintains and operates 39 aircraft comprising of five Boeing B747-400s and three B777-300ERs as well as four Airbus A340-300s, eight A330-300s, 15 A320-200s, and four A319-100s.
SMC through San Miguel Equity Investments Inc. controls about 49 percent of Trustmark Holdings of PAL after infusing $500 million. Trustmark and affiliate Zuma Holdings own PAL Holdings and sister airline AirPhil Express.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
PAL planning up to 14 weekly Toronto flights
Business World
December 5, 2012
By Jeffrey O. Valisno
Toronto, Canada - Flag Carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to increase flights to Toronto to as many as 14 a week, following its inaugural direct flight from Manila on Friday last week.
During the press conference here on Monday, PAL Vice-President for Marketing Support Felix J. Cruz said consumer response to the airline's newly launched non-stop Manila-Toronto flight has been "very overwhelming".
"The thrice-a-week schedule of the Manila-Toronto flight has been fully booked since we launched the service using our brand new Boeing 777-300 ER (Extended Range)," Mr. Cruz said. "Because of this, we thought of adding more flights to cater to the growing clientele," he addded.
The Manila-Toronto route now has flights every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday that leave the Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 3 p.m.
Mr. Cruz said that, starting next month, PAL will add four more flights to Canada's larget city. These will be 15-hour direct flights from Manila to Toronto every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday also at 3 p.m., the airline official said.
"The return flights of these new schedules will have brief stop-overs in Vancouver from Toronto before flying back to Manila," he added.
Mr. Cruz said PAL plans to double these flight frequencies to as many as twice a day or up to 14 times a week if demand for the Manila-Toronto route continues to increase.
Toronto is PAL's 27th international route and 46th destination overall. The flight to Toronto marks the airline's return to the eastern part of North America in 15 years.
Mr. Cruz said Canada is among the top 10 sources of foreign visitors to the Philippines, with 96,000 Canadian passport-holders visiting the Philippines last year. Mr. Cruz said government tourism officials have expressed confidence that the target of 120,000 Canadian visitors a year will be breached by yearend.
Mr. Cruz said PAL expects delivery of its fifth Boeing 777-300 ER by April next year, which the airline intends to use for its planned direct flights to Darwin, Australia.
"Darwin will be the third PAL destination in Australia after Sydney and Melbourne," Mr. Cruz said.
Meanwhile, he said PAL is scheduled to implement its "Book and Buy" scheme with Petron Corp. within the next two weeks.
Under the said scheme, tourists can pay for their PAL domestic and international tickets in any of Petron gas station, initially in Metro Manila.
"We are also currently working on a partnership with 7-Eleven to allow customers to pay to the convenience store cashiers for the PAL tickets they purchased online," he added.
December 5, 2012
By Jeffrey O. Valisno
Toronto, Canada - Flag Carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to increase flights to Toronto to as many as 14 a week, following its inaugural direct flight from Manila on Friday last week.
During the press conference here on Monday, PAL Vice-President for Marketing Support Felix J. Cruz said consumer response to the airline's newly launched non-stop Manila-Toronto flight has been "very overwhelming".
"The thrice-a-week schedule of the Manila-Toronto flight has been fully booked since we launched the service using our brand new Boeing 777-300 ER (Extended Range)," Mr. Cruz said. "Because of this, we thought of adding more flights to cater to the growing clientele," he addded.
The Manila-Toronto route now has flights every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday that leave the Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 3 p.m.
Mr. Cruz said that, starting next month, PAL will add four more flights to Canada's larget city. These will be 15-hour direct flights from Manila to Toronto every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday also at 3 p.m., the airline official said.
"The return flights of these new schedules will have brief stop-overs in Vancouver from Toronto before flying back to Manila," he added.
Mr. Cruz said PAL plans to double these flight frequencies to as many as twice a day or up to 14 times a week if demand for the Manila-Toronto route continues to increase.
Toronto is PAL's 27th international route and 46th destination overall. The flight to Toronto marks the airline's return to the eastern part of North America in 15 years.
Mr. Cruz said Canada is among the top 10 sources of foreign visitors to the Philippines, with 96,000 Canadian passport-holders visiting the Philippines last year. Mr. Cruz said government tourism officials have expressed confidence that the target of 120,000 Canadian visitors a year will be breached by yearend.
Mr. Cruz said PAL expects delivery of its fifth Boeing 777-300 ER by April next year, which the airline intends to use for its planned direct flights to Darwin, Australia.
"Darwin will be the third PAL destination in Australia after Sydney and Melbourne," Mr. Cruz said.
Meanwhile, he said PAL is scheduled to implement its "Book and Buy" scheme with Petron Corp. within the next two weeks.
Under the said scheme, tourists can pay for their PAL domestic and international tickets in any of Petron gas station, initially in Metro Manila.
"We are also currently working on a partnership with 7-Eleven to allow customers to pay to the convenience store cashiers for the PAL tickets they purchased online," he added.
Monday, December 3, 2012
PAL to increase flights to Toronto
Business Mirror
December 3, 2012
Written by Lenie Lectura
TORONTO, Canada—Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing its Toronto flights starting next year.
PAL just launched non-stop, thrice-a-week flights between Manila and Toronto on November 30, giving the flag carrier a direct link to Canada’s largest city and its first gateway on the vital East Coast of North America in 15 years. The new service kicks off the peak Christmas travel season, one of the busiest periods in the Philippine travel calendar.
On the return journey, Vancouver-Manila will have a dedicated product four times weekly along with a shared service from Toronto three times weekly. Toronto-Manila, therefore, will be a one-stop service via Vancouver.
The new service triggers a revamp of PAL’s Canadian operation. From November 30, the current daily service between Manila and Vancouver, British Columbia, on Canada’s West Coast, will be revised to four times weekly from Manila to Vancouver alternating with a three-times-weekly non-stop from Manila to Toronto.
Starting January 16, 2013, the Toronto flights will increase to four times a week with stopovers at Vancouver. On March 10, 2013, the service will become daily, with the addition of three non-stop flights every week.
PAL is utilizing its new, long-range Boeing 777-300ER, which seats 42 in business class and 328 in economy class, on the 15-hour, non-stop flight to Toronto. The luxurious wide-body jet is especially designed for such intercontinental journeys. Its two GE 90-115BL engines—the largest and most powerful ever built—can readily cover the 13,230 kilometers between the two cities non-stop. Toronto is now PAL’s 27th international destination and 46th overall.
PAL is also considering increasing flights to the United States and returning to Europe. However, this is not possible at the moment as the Philippines is still placed in the Category 2 status by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment Program.
The Philippines has been on the Category 2 list since 2008 as a result of deficiencies identified in the Universal Safety Oversight Audit program of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The downgrade happened after a safety audit conducted in November 2007 found a total of 23 deficiencies in the Philippines’s air industry regulations. Thus, the country was placed in Category 2 status. As a result, it is the airlines that suffer because they are barred from expanding operations in the United States.
Soon after, the European Union (EU) also raised significant safety concerns that resulted in the banning of Philippine carriers from landing in European airports. The Philippines has also been on the EU banned list since 2010.
PAL President Ramon S. Ang said the flag carrier is eagerly awaiting the lifting of the Category 2 status so it can implement plans to expand operations.
“If the Category 2 is lifted by the FAA we will fly next to New York and other major cities like London, Rome and Paris. We still have to patiently wait for the lifting [of the status],” he told reporters.
In line with its plans to mount long-haul flights, PAL is in talks with Boeing and Airbus for new aircraft.
“We are still in talks with them to acquire long-range aircraft. The first batch which we acquired is mostly for regional destinations [while] the next batch will be mostly for long-haul flights,” added Ang.
December 3, 2012
Written by Lenie Lectura
TORONTO, Canada—Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing its Toronto flights starting next year.
PAL just launched non-stop, thrice-a-week flights between Manila and Toronto on November 30, giving the flag carrier a direct link to Canada’s largest city and its first gateway on the vital East Coast of North America in 15 years. The new service kicks off the peak Christmas travel season, one of the busiest periods in the Philippine travel calendar.
On the return journey, Vancouver-Manila will have a dedicated product four times weekly along with a shared service from Toronto three times weekly. Toronto-Manila, therefore, will be a one-stop service via Vancouver.
The new service triggers a revamp of PAL’s Canadian operation. From November 30, the current daily service between Manila and Vancouver, British Columbia, on Canada’s West Coast, will be revised to four times weekly from Manila to Vancouver alternating with a three-times-weekly non-stop from Manila to Toronto.
Starting January 16, 2013, the Toronto flights will increase to four times a week with stopovers at Vancouver. On March 10, 2013, the service will become daily, with the addition of three non-stop flights every week.
PAL is utilizing its new, long-range Boeing 777-300ER, which seats 42 in business class and 328 in economy class, on the 15-hour, non-stop flight to Toronto. The luxurious wide-body jet is especially designed for such intercontinental journeys. Its two GE 90-115BL engines—the largest and most powerful ever built—can readily cover the 13,230 kilometers between the two cities non-stop. Toronto is now PAL’s 27th international destination and 46th overall.
PAL is also considering increasing flights to the United States and returning to Europe. However, this is not possible at the moment as the Philippines is still placed in the Category 2 status by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment Program.
The Philippines has been on the Category 2 list since 2008 as a result of deficiencies identified in the Universal Safety Oversight Audit program of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The downgrade happened after a safety audit conducted in November 2007 found a total of 23 deficiencies in the Philippines’s air industry regulations. Thus, the country was placed in Category 2 status. As a result, it is the airlines that suffer because they are barred from expanding operations in the United States.
Soon after, the European Union (EU) also raised significant safety concerns that resulted in the banning of Philippine carriers from landing in European airports. The Philippines has also been on the EU banned list since 2010.
PAL President Ramon S. Ang said the flag carrier is eagerly awaiting the lifting of the Category 2 status so it can implement plans to expand operations.
“If the Category 2 is lifted by the FAA we will fly next to New York and other major cities like London, Rome and Paris. We still have to patiently wait for the lifting [of the status],” he told reporters.
In line with its plans to mount long-haul flights, PAL is in talks with Boeing and Airbus for new aircraft.
“We are still in talks with them to acquire long-range aircraft. The first batch which we acquired is mostly for regional destinations [while] the next batch will be mostly for long-haul flights,” added Ang.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
PAL truly back to normal
Manila Bulletin
November 28, 2011
Philippine Airlines (PAL)'s operations are truly back to normal, just as they were before the flag carrier implemented its outsourcing program almost two months ago.
On, October 1, PAL's spin-off led to the separation of more than 2,300 workers, forcing the airline to reduce domestic flights by 30 percent while international flights were down 12 percent.
PAL used to mount 45-50 domestic and 80 international flights daily. Starting last Thursday, Nov. 24, PAL's daily domestic flights averaged 50 to 60 while international flights remained at 80, for average daily flights of 140.
As before, all PAL flights are now departing from and arriving at its exclusive hub at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.
Prior to October 1, the effectivity date of PAL's outsourcing program, some flights were temporarily housed at NAIA Terminal 3 to decongest the Centennial Terminal.
PAL also resumed full in-flight meal service after a brief interruption caused by the transition to third party service providers and the protest camp of former PAL workers at the airline's Inflight Center in Pasay City.
PAL's cargo operations on both domestic and international flights have also returned to former levels.
PAL has also intensified its tourism promotion campaign immediately after the restoration of its flights and frequencies to pre-outsourcing levels.
So far, cebu remains on top of the priority list of 26 destinations which the flag carrier promotes in international roadshows to boost tourist arrivals in the Philippines.
PAL flies eight times a day between Manila and Cebu using mostly wide-body jets like the Boeing 777ER, B747-400 and the Airbus A330.
The flag carrier also flies directly from Cebu to Narita, Japan six times weekly and thrice a week to Incheon, South Korea. Effective December 2, flights to Incheon will double to six times weekly.
"cebu continues to enjoy positive load factors despite the recent tsunami in Japan and other natural calamities," confirmed Glenn Vallecera, PAL AVP-visayas Sales.
"Even during the height of PAL's spin-off/outsourcing program, flights to Cebu were largely unaffected with load factors of more than 80 percent." (EVA)
November 28, 2011
Philippine Airlines (PAL)'s operations are truly back to normal, just as they were before the flag carrier implemented its outsourcing program almost two months ago.
On, October 1, PAL's spin-off led to the separation of more than 2,300 workers, forcing the airline to reduce domestic flights by 30 percent while international flights were down 12 percent.
PAL used to mount 45-50 domestic and 80 international flights daily. Starting last Thursday, Nov. 24, PAL's daily domestic flights averaged 50 to 60 while international flights remained at 80, for average daily flights of 140.
As before, all PAL flights are now departing from and arriving at its exclusive hub at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.
Prior to October 1, the effectivity date of PAL's outsourcing program, some flights were temporarily housed at NAIA Terminal 3 to decongest the Centennial Terminal.
PAL also resumed full in-flight meal service after a brief interruption caused by the transition to third party service providers and the protest camp of former PAL workers at the airline's Inflight Center in Pasay City.
PAL's cargo operations on both domestic and international flights have also returned to former levels.
PAL has also intensified its tourism promotion campaign immediately after the restoration of its flights and frequencies to pre-outsourcing levels.
So far, cebu remains on top of the priority list of 26 destinations which the flag carrier promotes in international roadshows to boost tourist arrivals in the Philippines.
PAL flies eight times a day between Manila and Cebu using mostly wide-body jets like the Boeing 777ER, B747-400 and the Airbus A330.
The flag carrier also flies directly from Cebu to Narita, Japan six times weekly and thrice a week to Incheon, South Korea. Effective December 2, flights to Incheon will double to six times weekly.
"cebu continues to enjoy positive load factors despite the recent tsunami in Japan and other natural calamities," confirmed Glenn Vallecera, PAL AVP-visayas Sales.
"Even during the height of PAL's spin-off/outsourcing program, flights to Cebu were largely unaffected with load factors of more than 80 percent." (EVA)
Cebu remains on top of PAL's int'l tourism promotion efforts
Manila Bulletin
November 28, 2011
Philippine Airlines (PAL) said that Cebu remains on top of its list of local destinations that the flag carrier is prioritizing in its international roadshows to boost tourist arrivals in the country.
In a press briefing, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the airline is "100 percent committed" to sell Cebu in its 26 international destinations including selected points in its domestic network.
To jumpstart its intensified tourist promotion campaign, PAL flew in eight candidates of the Miss Earth Pageant to visit and document some of Cebu's best tourist attractions. The group's photos and videos will be featured in PAL's promo materials for distribution abroad, particularly the United States, Canada and Asia.
PAL flies eight times a day between Manila and Cebu using mostly wide-body jets like the Boeing 777ER, B747-400 and the Airbus A330. The flag carrier also flies directly from Cebu to Narita, Japan six times weekly and thrice a week to Incheon, South Korea. Effective December 2, flights to Incheon will double to six times weekly.
"Cebu continues to enjoy positive load factors despite the recent tsunami in Japan and other natural calamities. In fact, even during the height of PAL's spin off/outsourcing program, flights to Cebu were largely unaffected with load factors of more than 80 percent," said Glenn Vallecera, PAL AVP-Visayas Sales.
In coordination with the Department of Tourism, PAL's intensified tourism promotion campaign comes on the heels of PAL's restoration of flights and frequencies to pre-outsourcing levels.
Starting November 24, all PAL flights depart from and arrive at its exclusive hub at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. Prior to October 1, the effectivity date of PAL's outsourcing program, some flights were temporarily housed at NAIA Terminal 3 to decongest the Centennial Terminal.
Two days ago, PAL also resumed full in-flight meal service after a brief interruption caused by the transition to third party service providers and the protest camp of former PAL workers at the airline's Inflight Center in Pasay City.
PAL's cargo operations on both domestic and international flights also returned to former levels.
November 28, 2011
Philippine Airlines (PAL) said that Cebu remains on top of its list of local destinations that the flag carrier is prioritizing in its international roadshows to boost tourist arrivals in the country.
In a press briefing, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the airline is "100 percent committed" to sell Cebu in its 26 international destinations including selected points in its domestic network.
To jumpstart its intensified tourist promotion campaign, PAL flew in eight candidates of the Miss Earth Pageant to visit and document some of Cebu's best tourist attractions. The group's photos and videos will be featured in PAL's promo materials for distribution abroad, particularly the United States, Canada and Asia.
PAL flies eight times a day between Manila and Cebu using mostly wide-body jets like the Boeing 777ER, B747-400 and the Airbus A330. The flag carrier also flies directly from Cebu to Narita, Japan six times weekly and thrice a week to Incheon, South Korea. Effective December 2, flights to Incheon will double to six times weekly.
"Cebu continues to enjoy positive load factors despite the recent tsunami in Japan and other natural calamities. In fact, even during the height of PAL's spin off/outsourcing program, flights to Cebu were largely unaffected with load factors of more than 80 percent," said Glenn Vallecera, PAL AVP-Visayas Sales.
In coordination with the Department of Tourism, PAL's intensified tourism promotion campaign comes on the heels of PAL's restoration of flights and frequencies to pre-outsourcing levels.
Starting November 24, all PAL flights depart from and arrive at its exclusive hub at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. Prior to October 1, the effectivity date of PAL's outsourcing program, some flights were temporarily housed at NAIA Terminal 3 to decongest the Centennial Terminal.
Two days ago, PAL also resumed full in-flight meal service after a brief interruption caused by the transition to third party service providers and the protest camp of former PAL workers at the airline's Inflight Center in Pasay City.
PAL's cargo operations on both domestic and international flights also returned to former levels.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
200 Dream Destinations come true with PAL, AirPhil Express and MasterCard
Manila Bulletin
November 25, 2012
Filipinos love to travel. Travelling not only provides us with a much needed respite from our daily routine, it also allows us to create memories that we can share with our family and friends.
According to results of a recent survey, Filipinos are now travelling more, locally and internationally, both for business and leisure. In addition, a greater majority of Filipinos who travel by air still prefer to fly with the national carrier. This is not surprising as Philippine Airlines and AirPhil Express have made it easier for more Filipinos to travel by offering full-service convenience and more destinations to choose from, with 28 international and 32 local destinations currently available. The list is expected to grow soon, so there's really more reasons for Filipinos to travel.
From November 15 to December 4, 2012, MasterCard gives you the chance to fly to your dream destination through another joint promotion with the Philippines' only national flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, AirPhil Express and Mabuhay Miles, where 200 MasterCard cardholders will win free flights to their destinations of choice!
Planning that trip for the holidays or next year's summer break? Purchase your Philippine Airlines and AirPhil Express tickets from PAL and AirPhil ticketing offices, travel agencies or websites using your MasterCard credit, debit or prepaid card issued in the Philippines. Every P500 or US$12 spent to purchase a Philippine Airlines or AirPhil Express ticket entitles you to one electronic raffle entry. Register at facebook.com/MabuhayMiles to earn raffle entries and choose your dream destination from among 28 international and 32 local destinations of PAL and AirPhil Express.
Ten daily winners will be drawn within the promo period for a total of 200 winners who will get a Mabuhay Miles certificate for a free round-trip ticket to their chosen destination.
Check out philippineairlines.com, airphilexpress.com or the Mabuhay Miles Facebook page for more details.
November 25, 2012
Filipinos love to travel. Travelling not only provides us with a much needed respite from our daily routine, it also allows us to create memories that we can share with our family and friends.
According to results of a recent survey, Filipinos are now travelling more, locally and internationally, both for business and leisure. In addition, a greater majority of Filipinos who travel by air still prefer to fly with the national carrier. This is not surprising as Philippine Airlines and AirPhil Express have made it easier for more Filipinos to travel by offering full-service convenience and more destinations to choose from, with 28 international and 32 local destinations currently available. The list is expected to grow soon, so there's really more reasons for Filipinos to travel.
From November 15 to December 4, 2012, MasterCard gives you the chance to fly to your dream destination through another joint promotion with the Philippines' only national flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, AirPhil Express and Mabuhay Miles, where 200 MasterCard cardholders will win free flights to their destinations of choice!
Planning that trip for the holidays or next year's summer break? Purchase your Philippine Airlines and AirPhil Express tickets from PAL and AirPhil ticketing offices, travel agencies or websites using your MasterCard credit, debit or prepaid card issued in the Philippines. Every P500 or US$12 spent to purchase a Philippine Airlines or AirPhil Express ticket entitles you to one electronic raffle entry. Register at facebook.com/MabuhayMiles to earn raffle entries and choose your dream destination from among 28 international and 32 local destinations of PAL and AirPhil Express.
Ten daily winners will be drawn within the promo period for a total of 200 winners who will get a Mabuhay Miles certificate for a free round-trip ticket to their chosen destination.
Check out philippineairlines.com, airphilexpress.com or the Mabuhay Miles Facebook page for more details.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
PAL, Cayman Airways Talks 'Preliminary'
Manila Bulletin
November 15, 2012
By Edu Lopez
The Philippine Airlines (PAL) and one of its major shareholders, San Miguel corporation, has proposed a multi-million-dollar investment in Cayman Airways, according to Alan Markoff of cayCompass.com, an online news service based in Cayman Islands.
Markoff reported that Premier Mckeeva Bush spoke about it in a statement in the Legislative Assembly and was received by the Cayman Islands Government and passed on to the Cayman Airways Board of Directors to explore.
"Cayman Airways is currently in discussions with Philippine Airlines to ascertain if there are ways for the two airlines to work together. The exploration of this potential collaboration is covering a variety of areas, but includes reviewing the ability to code share, provide aircraft operations and includes other strategic areas."
Mr. Bush stressed that the investment talks were ongoing and "very preliminary" and that nothing had been decided yet.
Cayman Airways had been exploring the concept of selling preference shares - a type of equity security for a debt - to local investors and others.
"This non-voting class of shares allows holders a guaranteed return, but generally does not allow for any involvement in operational or administrative functions," the statement said. "This special class of shares would allow the airline to raise needed capital while allowing the Cayman Islands Government to maintain complete control. Should this concept become a reality, it is envisioned that many Cayman residents and Cayman companies may be able to participate."
The statement said San Miguel Corporation had expressed interest in purchasing preference shares in Cayman Airways and had provided a term sheet with their requests.
"The subject term sheet is merely a starting point and currently being reviewed to determine acceptance or non-acceptance. With respect to the proposed terms, there are many items which could be changed, eliminated or deemed unacceptable to the airline or the Government."
The investment would involve San Miguel acquiring 50 percent of the shares in Cayman Airways.
In his statement to the House, Premier Bush said that the ability for the airline to issue preference shares would require approval not only from Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly, but also from the United Kingdom.
In January 2008, the United States Federal Aviation Administration downgraded the rating for commercial air travel for all of the Philippines because its air transportation regulatory body did not fully satisfy international safety standards. That downgrade from Category 1 to Category 2 prevented Philippines Airlines from increasing its flights to the United States from 33 times per week or from switching its aging fleet to newer aircraft.
Philippines Airlines has recently purchased six new long-haul Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, but because of the FAA downgrade, it can't currently fly them to the United States.
One possible way around that problem is if the airline undertakes a wet-lease agreement - a leasing arrangement where one airline provides and aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance to an airline - with a carrier from a country with a Category 1 rating. The Cayman Islands has a Category 1 rating.
Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms indicated that a possible wet lease was part of the discussions with San Miguel Corporation and Philippines Airlines.
"This Boeing 777 matter, if possible, is going to be subject to a myriad of regulatory approvals," he said. "We are still in the early stages of exploring what is possible with the authorities and also still assessing what is compatible with our operations and feasible for Cayman Airways."
November 15, 2012
By Edu Lopez
The Philippine Airlines (PAL) and one of its major shareholders, San Miguel corporation, has proposed a multi-million-dollar investment in Cayman Airways, according to Alan Markoff of cayCompass.com, an online news service based in Cayman Islands.
Markoff reported that Premier Mckeeva Bush spoke about it in a statement in the Legislative Assembly and was received by the Cayman Islands Government and passed on to the Cayman Airways Board of Directors to explore.
"Cayman Airways is currently in discussions with Philippine Airlines to ascertain if there are ways for the two airlines to work together. The exploration of this potential collaboration is covering a variety of areas, but includes reviewing the ability to code share, provide aircraft operations and includes other strategic areas."
Mr. Bush stressed that the investment talks were ongoing and "very preliminary" and that nothing had been decided yet.
Cayman Airways had been exploring the concept of selling preference shares - a type of equity security for a debt - to local investors and others.
"This non-voting class of shares allows holders a guaranteed return, but generally does not allow for any involvement in operational or administrative functions," the statement said. "This special class of shares would allow the airline to raise needed capital while allowing the Cayman Islands Government to maintain complete control. Should this concept become a reality, it is envisioned that many Cayman residents and Cayman companies may be able to participate."
The statement said San Miguel Corporation had expressed interest in purchasing preference shares in Cayman Airways and had provided a term sheet with their requests.
"The subject term sheet is merely a starting point and currently being reviewed to determine acceptance or non-acceptance. With respect to the proposed terms, there are many items which could be changed, eliminated or deemed unacceptable to the airline or the Government."
The investment would involve San Miguel acquiring 50 percent of the shares in Cayman Airways.
In his statement to the House, Premier Bush said that the ability for the airline to issue preference shares would require approval not only from Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly, but also from the United Kingdom.
In January 2008, the United States Federal Aviation Administration downgraded the rating for commercial air travel for all of the Philippines because its air transportation regulatory body did not fully satisfy international safety standards. That downgrade from Category 1 to Category 2 prevented Philippines Airlines from increasing its flights to the United States from 33 times per week or from switching its aging fleet to newer aircraft.
Philippines Airlines has recently purchased six new long-haul Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, but because of the FAA downgrade, it can't currently fly them to the United States.
One possible way around that problem is if the airline undertakes a wet-lease agreement - a leasing arrangement where one airline provides and aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance to an airline - with a carrier from a country with a Category 1 rating. The Cayman Islands has a Category 1 rating.
Cayman Airways CEO Fabian Whorms indicated that a possible wet lease was part of the discussions with San Miguel Corporation and Philippines Airlines.
"This Boeing 777 matter, if possible, is going to be subject to a myriad of regulatory approvals," he said. "We are still in the early stages of exploring what is possible with the authorities and also still assessing what is compatible with our operations and feasible for Cayman Airways."
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Emirates disputes PAL’s claim
Manila Standard Today
November 13, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
Emirates Air denied the Philippine Airlines’ claim that the seven flight frequencies between Dubai and Manila the Middle Eastern carrier wants to add is counterproductive and unjustified.
Emirate’s Philippine manager Gigie Baroa said in a letter to Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla the airline’s winter schedule would not undermine the confidential memorandum of understanding signed by both governments in September this year. The new schedule would take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.
“Contrary to PR’s [Philippine Airlines] assertion that it was the intention of the two governments that no more than 28 weekly frequencies were to be offered by each side on the agreed routes between UAE and Manila, it was in the fact the agreement of the aeronautical authorities of the two governments that the pre-existing borrowing of unused entitlements could continue alongside the additional daily services granted under the new confidential memorandum of understanding of Sept. 6,” Baroa said.
“This must be since neither government raised the possibility that the new CMOU would alter the pre-existing situation. Had they intended otherwise the two governments would have recorded that decision in the document, which they did not and for very good reason,” Baroa added.
Emirates said it was the intention of the two governments that the total capacity on the Dubai-Manila route be increased, including via Emirates’ third daily service, in response to the extraordinary size and growth of the market demand on the route.
November 13, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
Emirates Air denied the Philippine Airlines’ claim that the seven flight frequencies between Dubai and Manila the Middle Eastern carrier wants to add is counterproductive and unjustified.
Emirate’s Philippine manager Gigie Baroa said in a letter to Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla the airline’s winter schedule would not undermine the confidential memorandum of understanding signed by both governments in September this year. The new schedule would take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.
“Contrary to PR’s [Philippine Airlines] assertion that it was the intention of the two governments that no more than 28 weekly frequencies were to be offered by each side on the agreed routes between UAE and Manila, it was in the fact the agreement of the aeronautical authorities of the two governments that the pre-existing borrowing of unused entitlements could continue alongside the additional daily services granted under the new confidential memorandum of understanding of Sept. 6,” Baroa said.
“This must be since neither government raised the possibility that the new CMOU would alter the pre-existing situation. Had they intended otherwise the two governments would have recorded that decision in the document, which they did not and for very good reason,” Baroa added.
Emirates said it was the intention of the two governments that the total capacity on the Dubai-Manila route be increased, including via Emirates’ third daily service, in response to the extraordinary size and growth of the market demand on the route.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Traffic rights for PAL, Cebu Pacific
Traffic rights for PAL, Cebu Pacific
BusinessWorld
November 12, 2012
THE COUNTRY’S two biggest carriers -- Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific -- are poised to get additional traffic rights, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) officials said on Friday.
Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific is set to be awarded 14 frequencies per week to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), CAB Executive Director Carmelo A. Arcilla said, allowing the company to pursue long-haul operations planned for the third quarter next year.
"We assigned all 14 frequencies to Cebu Pacific since they have the clearest plans to buy wide-body aircraft," Mr. Arcilla said following a CAB meeting last Friday.
He qualified, however, that the approval was still "in principle," with a formal resolution signed by all members likely to be issued within a month.
Cebu Pacific had asked for the 14 frequencies, which were the result of air talks last Sept. 5-6 that doubled traffic rights to the Arab nation to 28 frequencies per week.
Mr. Arcilla said the original 14 frequencies will remain with PAL, which utilizes its air rights through code-sharing agreements with Middle Eastern carriers Etihad Airways and Emirates.
Cebu Pacific wants to mount daily flights for the Manila-Dubai route and Manila-Abu Dhabi route starting next year. It expects delivery of its first wide-body Airbus A330 by June 2013.
CAB division chief Ma. Elben S. L. Moro, meanwhile, said the board had also approved PAL’s petition for an additional 604 seats per week to Australia on top of an existing 3,194.
The flag carrier told the CAB last month that it would use the additional entitlements for flights to "Darwin, Sydney, and Melbourne" starting Dec. 10.
PAL, the only Philippine carrier operating in Australia, currently flies a Manila-Melbourne route three times a week and a Manila-Sydney route four times a week.
BusinessWorld
November 12, 2012
THE COUNTRY’S two biggest carriers -- Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific -- are poised to get additional traffic rights, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) officials said on Friday.
Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific is set to be awarded 14 frequencies per week to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), CAB Executive Director Carmelo A. Arcilla said, allowing the company to pursue long-haul operations planned for the third quarter next year.
"We assigned all 14 frequencies to Cebu Pacific since they have the clearest plans to buy wide-body aircraft," Mr. Arcilla said following a CAB meeting last Friday.
He qualified, however, that the approval was still "in principle," with a formal resolution signed by all members likely to be issued within a month.
Cebu Pacific had asked for the 14 frequencies, which were the result of air talks last Sept. 5-6 that doubled traffic rights to the Arab nation to 28 frequencies per week.
Mr. Arcilla said the original 14 frequencies will remain with PAL, which utilizes its air rights through code-sharing agreements with Middle Eastern carriers Etihad Airways and Emirates.
Cebu Pacific wants to mount daily flights for the Manila-Dubai route and Manila-Abu Dhabi route starting next year. It expects delivery of its first wide-body Airbus A330 by June 2013.
CAB division chief Ma. Elben S. L. Moro, meanwhile, said the board had also approved PAL’s petition for an additional 604 seats per week to Australia on top of an existing 3,194.
The flag carrier told the CAB last month that it would use the additional entitlements for flights to "Darwin, Sydney, and Melbourne" starting Dec. 10.
PAL, the only Philippine carrier operating in Australia, currently flies a Manila-Melbourne route three times a week and a Manila-Sydney route four times a week.
PAL bucks Emirates' expansion to Manila
Manila Standard Today
November 12, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines asked the Civil Aeronautics Board to reject the petition of Emirates Air to add several additional flight frequencies between Dubai and Manila.
PAL said in letter to CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla the Middle Eastern airline's winter 2012 schedule involving flights to Manila was counterproductive and unjustified.
Emirates wanted to increase weekly flights between Manila and Dubai from 14 to 21 effective Jan. 1, 2013.
PAL plans to introduce its own-operated flights to the United Arab Emirates by 2012 and 2014, "given the assurance that no more than 28 weekly frequencies are to be operated by each side on the agreed routes between the UAE and Manila".
"We believe that it would be difficult, perhaps, impossible, for Philippine carriers to viably sustain our own operations over the long term in the face of such a commanding undue advantage on the part of our top competitor. The envisioned new era could be very well be stillborn," PAL said.
PAL said while it had no objection to the opration by EK of 14 weekly frequencies between Dubai and Manila under the continuing code sharing arrangement, the later's petition for seven additional frequencies was unjustified.
"As code share partner, PAL honors its existing code share arrangement which remains in effect until 2014. Our objection is to the proposed unjustified and counterproductive excess of seven frequencies, or for that matter any formulation that results in an EK operation [code share or not] in excess of 14 frequencies per week on the Dubai-Manila route," PAL said in the letter.
PAL said the new PAL-United Arab Emirates confidential memorandum of understanding already provided for a maximum of entitlement of 14 weekly frequencies for EK as the exclusive designated UAE carrier under Category 1 Route.
It said EK's proposed schedule of 21 weekly frequencies would exceed that limit.
PAL also said EK's proposed petition would undermine the earlier negotiation of a new CMOU in September that was intended to usher in a new development era where the airlines of both the Philippines and the UAE would offer their own self-operated services in an environment of fair and healthy competition.
"As the board will noted, EK's proposed 21 times weekly service will result in a total UAE carrier operation of 36 weekly frequencies when added to the existing 14 times weekly Abu Dhabi-Manila services of Etihad Airways, the UAE's designated carrier for Category 1 Route 2 under the CMOU," PAL said.
November 12, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines asked the Civil Aeronautics Board to reject the petition of Emirates Air to add several additional flight frequencies between Dubai and Manila.
PAL said in letter to CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla the Middle Eastern airline's winter 2012 schedule involving flights to Manila was counterproductive and unjustified.
Emirates wanted to increase weekly flights between Manila and Dubai from 14 to 21 effective Jan. 1, 2013.
PAL plans to introduce its own-operated flights to the United Arab Emirates by 2012 and 2014, "given the assurance that no more than 28 weekly frequencies are to be operated by each side on the agreed routes between the UAE and Manila".
"We believe that it would be difficult, perhaps, impossible, for Philippine carriers to viably sustain our own operations over the long term in the face of such a commanding undue advantage on the part of our top competitor. The envisioned new era could be very well be stillborn," PAL said.
PAL said while it had no objection to the opration by EK of 14 weekly frequencies between Dubai and Manila under the continuing code sharing arrangement, the later's petition for seven additional frequencies was unjustified.
"As code share partner, PAL honors its existing code share arrangement which remains in effect until 2014. Our objection is to the proposed unjustified and counterproductive excess of seven frequencies, or for that matter any formulation that results in an EK operation [code share or not] in excess of 14 frequencies per week on the Dubai-Manila route," PAL said in the letter.
PAL said the new PAL-United Arab Emirates confidential memorandum of understanding already provided for a maximum of entitlement of 14 weekly frequencies for EK as the exclusive designated UAE carrier under Category 1 Route.
It said EK's proposed schedule of 21 weekly frequencies would exceed that limit.
PAL also said EK's proposed petition would undermine the earlier negotiation of a new CMOU in September that was intended to usher in a new development era where the airlines of both the Philippines and the UAE would offer their own self-operated services in an environment of fair and healthy competition.
"As the board will noted, EK's proposed 21 times weekly service will result in a total UAE carrier operation of 36 weekly frequencies when added to the existing 14 times weekly Abu Dhabi-Manila services of Etihad Airways, the UAE's designated carrier for Category 1 Route 2 under the CMOU," PAL said.
Monday, November 5, 2012
PAL asks for additional seat allocation to Australia
Business World
November 5, 2012
By C. H. C. Venzon
FLAG CARRIER Philippine Airlines (PAL) has asked for more seat allocations to Australia, according to a letter the company sent the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) early last month.
“We respectfully refer to our letter petition dated 06 July 2012, requesting for an additional seat allocation of 604 seats on the trunk route to/from Australia,” PAL said in its letter, dated Oct. 3.
PAL said the additional entitlements will be used particularly for flights to “Darwin, Sydney, and Melbourne” starting Dec. 10.
CAB Hearing Examiners Division Chief Ma. Elben S. L. Moro said in an interview on Tuesday last week that the regulator has yet to set a hearing date for PAL’s request.
If granted, the 604 additional seats will be added to current 3,194 seats presently allocated to PAL, bringing the airline’s total seats to Australia to 3,798.
PAL currently flies the Manila-Melbourne route three times a week, while it operates the Manila-Sydney route four times a week.
The regulator has so far allocated a total of 4,454 seats to Australia, consisting of 3,194 for PAL and 1,260 for Cebu Pacific, CAB records show. PAL, however, is the only local carrier presently flying to Australia.
PAL’s petition forms part of expansion announced by San Miguel after it assumed in April the management of the airline following its $500-million acquisition of a 49% stake in the flag carrier and its low-cost sister carrier Airphil Express.
PAL will also be expanding routes to Canada starting Nov. 30 with flights to Toronto besides Vancouver. PAL announced last month it will be flying the Manila-Toronto route three times a week, besides Manila to Vancouver four times a week, to take advantage of Toronto’s “diverse population and booming economy,” the company said in a statement last month.
PAL received its third Boeing 777-300ER in July, with another one coming before yearend and another two arriving next year, as part of a deal with the US plane maker involving the acquisition of six units of this make.
The company had also ordered a total of 64 aircraft from European plane-maker Airbus in August and September in deal worth $9.5 billion. These aircraft will be delivered from next year to 2015.
PAL Holdings, Inc., the parent of PAL, posted a comprehensive income of P489.25 million for its first quarter ending in June, a turnaround from the P475.14-million loss in the same period last year. Shares of PAL settled at P5.36 apiece when they were last traded on Wednesday last week, down 11 centavos or 2.01% from P5.47 on Tuesday. -- C. H. C. Venzon
November 5, 2012
By C. H. C. Venzon
FLAG CARRIER Philippine Airlines (PAL) has asked for more seat allocations to Australia, according to a letter the company sent the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) early last month.
“We respectfully refer to our letter petition dated 06 July 2012, requesting for an additional seat allocation of 604 seats on the trunk route to/from Australia,” PAL said in its letter, dated Oct. 3.
PAL said the additional entitlements will be used particularly for flights to “Darwin, Sydney, and Melbourne” starting Dec. 10.
CAB Hearing Examiners Division Chief Ma. Elben S. L. Moro said in an interview on Tuesday last week that the regulator has yet to set a hearing date for PAL’s request.
If granted, the 604 additional seats will be added to current 3,194 seats presently allocated to PAL, bringing the airline’s total seats to Australia to 3,798.
PAL currently flies the Manila-Melbourne route three times a week, while it operates the Manila-Sydney route four times a week.
The regulator has so far allocated a total of 4,454 seats to Australia, consisting of 3,194 for PAL and 1,260 for Cebu Pacific, CAB records show. PAL, however, is the only local carrier presently flying to Australia.
PAL’s petition forms part of expansion announced by San Miguel after it assumed in April the management of the airline following its $500-million acquisition of a 49% stake in the flag carrier and its low-cost sister carrier Airphil Express.
PAL will also be expanding routes to Canada starting Nov. 30 with flights to Toronto besides Vancouver. PAL announced last month it will be flying the Manila-Toronto route three times a week, besides Manila to Vancouver four times a week, to take advantage of Toronto’s “diverse population and booming economy,” the company said in a statement last month.
PAL received its third Boeing 777-300ER in July, with another one coming before yearend and another two arriving next year, as part of a deal with the US plane maker involving the acquisition of six units of this make.
The company had also ordered a total of 64 aircraft from European plane-maker Airbus in August and September in deal worth $9.5 billion. These aircraft will be delivered from next year to 2015.
PAL Holdings, Inc., the parent of PAL, posted a comprehensive income of P489.25 million for its first quarter ending in June, a turnaround from the P475.14-million loss in the same period last year. Shares of PAL settled at P5.36 apiece when they were last traded on Wednesday last week, down 11 centavos or 2.01% from P5.47 on Tuesday. -- C. H. C. Venzon
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
PAL Holds More Job Fairs
Manila Bulletin
October 31, 2012
MANILA, Philippines --- Philippine Airlines (PAL) will hold a series of job fairs in the next leg of its Visayan recruitment tour covering the cities of Dumaguete, Bacolod and Iloilo.
After its successful Manila and Cebu job fairs, PAL resumes its search for male and female cabin crew, as well as pilot-applicants for the positions of Captain, First and Second Officers.
PAL will set up its job fair at Plaza Maria Luisa Suites Inn, Dumaguete City on November 9-11; at Sugarland Hotel, Bacolod City, on November 16-18; and Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City, on November 23-25. Registration starts at 8 a.m..
Applicants from the Visayas who have natural service orientation and possess the minimum criteria should apply in person in any of the three job fairs. They should bring their resume with two 4R photos, one close-up and full-body shot.
PAL cabin crew applicants must be Filipino citizens, not more than 27 years old, and must be college graduates. Females must be single and stand at least 5'2 ½"; males must be preferably single and at least 5'6" in height.
Applicants must be in business attire: For women, corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt and high-heeled closed shoes. Hair must be tied back in a bun and they should be in full make-up. For men, long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes.
Pilot applicants should submit their resume with latest picture and record of flying hours logged in any of the above-listed recruitment venues.
For more information, please visit the PAL website www.philippineairlines.com.
October 31, 2012
MANILA, Philippines --- Philippine Airlines (PAL) will hold a series of job fairs in the next leg of its Visayan recruitment tour covering the cities of Dumaguete, Bacolod and Iloilo.
After its successful Manila and Cebu job fairs, PAL resumes its search for male and female cabin crew, as well as pilot-applicants for the positions of Captain, First and Second Officers.
PAL will set up its job fair at Plaza Maria Luisa Suites Inn, Dumaguete City on November 9-11; at Sugarland Hotel, Bacolod City, on November 16-18; and Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City, on November 23-25. Registration starts at 8 a.m..
Applicants from the Visayas who have natural service orientation and possess the minimum criteria should apply in person in any of the three job fairs. They should bring their resume with two 4R photos, one close-up and full-body shot.
PAL cabin crew applicants must be Filipino citizens, not more than 27 years old, and must be college graduates. Females must be single and stand at least 5'2 ½"; males must be preferably single and at least 5'6" in height.
Applicants must be in business attire: For women, corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt and high-heeled closed shoes. Hair must be tied back in a bun and they should be in full make-up. For men, long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes.
Pilot applicants should submit their resume with latest picture and record of flying hours logged in any of the above-listed recruitment venues.
For more information, please visit the PAL website www.philippineairlines.com.
Monday, October 29, 2012
PAL, Cebu Pac seek add'l flights to KSA
The Philippine Star
October 29, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
Domestic airlines led by Philippine Airlines (PAL) of airline and beverage magnate Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. as well as Gokongwei-controlled Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) are seeking more flight frequencies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
PAL, Air Philippines Corp., Cebu Pacific, and Zest Airways Inc. filed a consolidated application for designation or allocation of entitlements to KSA before the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) exactly a month after the country successfully concluded air talks with the Middle East country.
Last month, the Philippines and KSA agreed to increase the number of flight frequencies to 21 per week from the current 10 per week.
Both countries also agreed to unlimited flights between Saudi Arabia and Clark in Pampanga as well as between the Philippines and Dammam.
Under the application, PAL hopes to fly to Riyadh seven times a week via the King Khaled International Airport starting March next year and also seven times a week to Jeddah via the King Abdulaziz International Airport starting May next year.
PAL which recently inked a $10 billion contract with Airbus for the acquisition of over 60 wide-bodied aircraft also intends to fly to Dammam seven times a week via King Fahd International Airport starting July next year.
The country's national flag carriern intends to use wide bodied Airbus 330 and 340 as well Boeing B777 for the long-haul flights.
PAL's sister firm AirPhilippines intends to fly to Riyadh and Jeddah 14 times per week during the winter schedule next year.
On the other hand, Cebu Pacific intends to fly to Riyadh and Jeddah 14 times a week and to Dammam seven times per week not later than the winter schedule next year.
Likewise, ZestAir is looking at flying to Riyadh and Jeddah using Airbus A330 during the winter next year.
Aside from KSA, the Philippines also concluded air talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) doubling the flight entitlements to 28 flights per week from 14 flights per week between the two countries.
There are about 10 million Filipinos working and living abroad. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees OFW remittances rising five percent this year from the record $20.12 billion booked last year.
In the first seven months of the year, OFW remittances rose 5.2 percent to $11.936 billion from $11.351 billion in the same period last year.
President Aquino has signed Executive Order 29 authorizing the CAB and the Philippine air panels to pursue more aggressively the international civil aviation liberalization policy.
To boost the country's competitiveness as a tourism destination and investment location, the government decided to pursue more aggressively a liberalization policy in international aviation through the grant of third, fourth and fifth freedom rights and unrestricted capacities and frequencies to foreign air carriers, among others.
October 29, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
Domestic airlines led by Philippine Airlines (PAL) of airline and beverage magnate Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. as well as Gokongwei-controlled Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) are seeking more flight frequencies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
PAL, Air Philippines Corp., Cebu Pacific, and Zest Airways Inc. filed a consolidated application for designation or allocation of entitlements to KSA before the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) exactly a month after the country successfully concluded air talks with the Middle East country.
Last month, the Philippines and KSA agreed to increase the number of flight frequencies to 21 per week from the current 10 per week.
Both countries also agreed to unlimited flights between Saudi Arabia and Clark in Pampanga as well as between the Philippines and Dammam.
Under the application, PAL hopes to fly to Riyadh seven times a week via the King Khaled International Airport starting March next year and also seven times a week to Jeddah via the King Abdulaziz International Airport starting May next year.
PAL which recently inked a $10 billion contract with Airbus for the acquisition of over 60 wide-bodied aircraft also intends to fly to Dammam seven times a week via King Fahd International Airport starting July next year.
The country's national flag carriern intends to use wide bodied Airbus 330 and 340 as well Boeing B777 for the long-haul flights.
PAL's sister firm AirPhilippines intends to fly to Riyadh and Jeddah 14 times per week during the winter schedule next year.
On the other hand, Cebu Pacific intends to fly to Riyadh and Jeddah 14 times a week and to Dammam seven times per week not later than the winter schedule next year.
Likewise, ZestAir is looking at flying to Riyadh and Jeddah using Airbus A330 during the winter next year.
Aside from KSA, the Philippines also concluded air talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) doubling the flight entitlements to 28 flights per week from 14 flights per week between the two countries.
There are about 10 million Filipinos working and living abroad. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees OFW remittances rising five percent this year from the record $20.12 billion booked last year.
In the first seven months of the year, OFW remittances rose 5.2 percent to $11.936 billion from $11.351 billion in the same period last year.
President Aquino has signed Executive Order 29 authorizing the CAB and the Philippine air panels to pursue more aggressively the international civil aviation liberalization policy.
To boost the country's competitiveness as a tourism destination and investment location, the government decided to pursue more aggressively a liberalization policy in international aviation through the grant of third, fourth and fifth freedom rights and unrestricted capacities and frequencies to foreign air carriers, among others.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
PAL Taps Canada Route Soon
Manila Bulletin
October 21, 2012
By Anjo Perez and Mitch Arceo
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will begin its second direct flight services to Canada next month, to also serve as its first gateway to the North America's East Coast. Beginning November 30, 2012, PAL will offer direct flight services to Canada's largest city, Toronto.
As a result of the new destination, PAL's Canadian flight operations will be revamped with the daily service between Manila and Vancouver, on Canada's West Coast, revised to four times weekly, alternating with a three-times-weekly non-stop service between Manila and Toronto.
PR118 will depart Manila for Toronto every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm and arrive at Terminal 3 of the Toronto Pearson International Airport at 5 pm on the same days.
Its return flight PR 119, departs Toronto every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:35 pm, stopping in Vancouver at 9:30 pm. The service continues on to Manila at 11:30 pm and arrives at Terminal 2 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:45 am two days later.
PAL will utilize its brand-new, long range flagship, Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with a seating configuration of 42 seats in Mabuhay Class and 328 seats in Fiesta Class. The non-stop flight service between Manila and Toronto will take 17 hours.
The 777-300 is a luxurious wide-body jet that is especially designed for ultra-long-haul, intercontinental journeys. It is powered by two General Electric 90-115BL engines that can easily cover the 13, 230 kilometers between the two cities non-stop.
Passengers onboard the Canada-bound flight can expect to be pampered with PAL's signature inflight service, which features plush, well-appointed Recaro seats that recline to a lie-flat angle in Mabuhay Class; a fully digital inflight entertainment system with audio-video on demand (AVOD) capability; and gourmet cuisine from top international guest chefs.
The new service kicks off the peak Christmas travel season, one of the busiest periods in the Philippine travel calendar and a crucial test of PAL's resolve to rebound from operational and financial difficulties last year.
October 21, 2012
By Anjo Perez and Mitch Arceo
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will begin its second direct flight services to Canada next month, to also serve as its first gateway to the North America's East Coast. Beginning November 30, 2012, PAL will offer direct flight services to Canada's largest city, Toronto.
As a result of the new destination, PAL's Canadian flight operations will be revamped with the daily service between Manila and Vancouver, on Canada's West Coast, revised to four times weekly, alternating with a three-times-weekly non-stop service between Manila and Toronto.
PR118 will depart Manila for Toronto every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3 pm and arrive at Terminal 3 of the Toronto Pearson International Airport at 5 pm on the same days.
Its return flight PR 119, departs Toronto every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:35 pm, stopping in Vancouver at 9:30 pm. The service continues on to Manila at 11:30 pm and arrives at Terminal 2 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:45 am two days later.
PAL will utilize its brand-new, long range flagship, Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with a seating configuration of 42 seats in Mabuhay Class and 328 seats in Fiesta Class. The non-stop flight service between Manila and Toronto will take 17 hours.
The 777-300 is a luxurious wide-body jet that is especially designed for ultra-long-haul, intercontinental journeys. It is powered by two General Electric 90-115BL engines that can easily cover the 13, 230 kilometers between the two cities non-stop.
Passengers onboard the Canada-bound flight can expect to be pampered with PAL's signature inflight service, which features plush, well-appointed Recaro seats that recline to a lie-flat angle in Mabuhay Class; a fully digital inflight entertainment system with audio-video on demand (AVOD) capability; and gourmet cuisine from top international guest chefs.
The new service kicks off the peak Christmas travel season, one of the busiest periods in the Philippine travel calendar and a crucial test of PAL's resolve to rebound from operational and financial difficulties last year.
Monday, October 15, 2012
PAL eyes Brazil
Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 15, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
While plans to expand operations to the United States have been put on hold, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has set it sights southward as it makes plans to fly to Latin America's biggest economy, Brazil.
PAL president Ramon S. Ang over the weekend confirmed that the airline was preparing its application to secure the government's approval to fly to South America.
Plan for Brazil as a route is in line with the company's strategy to expand its international operations while it transfers bulk of its domestic traffic to sister firm Air Philippines, which will be renamed PAL Express.
Aside from Brazil, PAL earlier said it was planning flights to destinations like Paris and London in Europe, as well as in New York and Chicago in the United States. PAL also wants to have eight destinations in the Middle East by the end of next year.
Starting November, PAL will also start a thrice-a-week service to Toronto, Canada - the airline's only destination in North America's east coast.
Last April, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), in a report to the Department of Transportation and Communications, included Brazil on its list of 10 international growth markets for the local aviation sector.
"Brazil produces more visitors to the Philippines than any other South American country," CAB said. Brazil is the only South American market on the list, which is topped by South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and Indonesia.
PAL currently has plans to add 100 brand-new aircraft to its current fleet of 39 planes. The company already has placed an order for 64 new Airbus jets - a combination of wide and narrow-body planes worth $10 billion - from European manufacturer EADS.
By the end of the President's term in 2016, the government hopes to have 10 million foreigners visiting the Philippines, up from three million in 2010.
Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. last April took control of PAL from the Lucio Tan group last April. The former food-and-beverage group steered the airline to an $11.4-million profit in its first three months of operations.
October 15, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
While plans to expand operations to the United States have been put on hold, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has set it sights southward as it makes plans to fly to Latin America's biggest economy, Brazil.
PAL president Ramon S. Ang over the weekend confirmed that the airline was preparing its application to secure the government's approval to fly to South America.
Plan for Brazil as a route is in line with the company's strategy to expand its international operations while it transfers bulk of its domestic traffic to sister firm Air Philippines, which will be renamed PAL Express.
Aside from Brazil, PAL earlier said it was planning flights to destinations like Paris and London in Europe, as well as in New York and Chicago in the United States. PAL also wants to have eight destinations in the Middle East by the end of next year.
Starting November, PAL will also start a thrice-a-week service to Toronto, Canada - the airline's only destination in North America's east coast.
Last April, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), in a report to the Department of Transportation and Communications, included Brazil on its list of 10 international growth markets for the local aviation sector.
"Brazil produces more visitors to the Philippines than any other South American country," CAB said. Brazil is the only South American market on the list, which is topped by South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and Indonesia.
PAL currently has plans to add 100 brand-new aircraft to its current fleet of 39 planes. The company already has placed an order for 64 new Airbus jets - a combination of wide and narrow-body planes worth $10 billion - from European manufacturer EADS.
By the end of the President's term in 2016, the government hopes to have 10 million foreigners visiting the Philippines, up from three million in 2010.
Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. last April took control of PAL from the Lucio Tan group last April. The former food-and-beverage group steered the airline to an $11.4-million profit in its first three months of operations.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
PAL issues call for pilots, cabin crew
Business Mirror
October 9, 2012
In preparation for its network and fleet expansion, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is looking for additional pilots and cabin crew.
The flag carrier said applicants for the position of captain and second officers in the Visayas area may drop in their resumes, together with copies of their licenses, medical records and official flying hours, to the PAL Job Fair at Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on October 12 to 14.
The pilot recruitment coincides with PAL's ongoing cabin crew recruitment for applicants from central, eastern and western Visayas also in the same venue.
Registration, accommodation and screening of cabin crew applicants starts at 8am and closes at 10am.
Interested parties should bring their updated resumes with a close-up shot and full-body photo and should come in business attire.
Applicant must be Filipino citizen, not more than 27 years old, college graduate and can speak both English and Filipino. Female applicants must be single, at least 5'3" in height, while male applicants should be preferably single, and at least 5'6". Weight must be proportionate to height. Clear complexion, good set of teeth, perfect vision or with contact lenses but not beyond are part of the criteria.
PAL is also looking for in-flight Chinese interpreters. Applicants for this position must have the basic criteria as cabin crew aspirants, but must also be fluent in Mandarin and Fookien.
October 9, 2012
In preparation for its network and fleet expansion, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is looking for additional pilots and cabin crew.
The flag carrier said applicants for the position of captain and second officers in the Visayas area may drop in their resumes, together with copies of their licenses, medical records and official flying hours, to the PAL Job Fair at Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on October 12 to 14.
The pilot recruitment coincides with PAL's ongoing cabin crew recruitment for applicants from central, eastern and western Visayas also in the same venue.
Registration, accommodation and screening of cabin crew applicants starts at 8am and closes at 10am.
Interested parties should bring their updated resumes with a close-up shot and full-body photo and should come in business attire.
Applicant must be Filipino citizen, not more than 27 years old, college graduate and can speak both English and Filipino. Female applicants must be single, at least 5'3" in height, while male applicants should be preferably single, and at least 5'6". Weight must be proportionate to height. Clear complexion, good set of teeth, perfect vision or with contact lenses but not beyond are part of the criteria.
PAL is also looking for in-flight Chinese interpreters. Applicants for this position must have the basic criteria as cabin crew aspirants, but must also be fluent in Mandarin and Fookien.
Monday, October 8, 2012
PAL cabin crew recruitment sa Visayas
Kasalukuyang may nagaganap na cabin crew recruitment fair ang Philippine Airlines (PAL) sa Cebu City mula October 5 hanggang October 7 at sa susunod na linggo October 12 to 14 para sa mga aplikanteng mula sa Visayas.
Ang mga interesadong aplikante mula sa Eastern, Central at Western Visayas ay maaring magpatala sa Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Sergio Osmena Boulevard corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City mula alas otso ng umaga hanggang alas diyes sa mga nasabing petsa.
Mangyari lamang tumungo sa Radisson Hotel at magdala ng updated resume na may bagong close-up at full-body shot na litrato.
Para sa mga kababaihan, ang business attire ay corporate blazer, inner blouse at paldang hanggang tuhod and haba. Dapat nakapusod ang buhok, full make up, naka stockings at high-heeled closed shoes.
Ang mga lalaki naman ay dapat naka long-sleeved polo with necktie, itim na pantalon at leather shoes. Ang buhok ay dapat mukang malinis at maayos ang gupit.
Ang mga aplikante ay dapat Filipino citizen, hindi hihigit sa 27 years old,
college graduate at mahusay sa English at Pilipino.
Ang mga babaeng aplikante ay dapat single, may taas na at least 5’3”, samantalang ang mga lalaki naman ay preferably single, at may taas na 5’6” pataas. Kailangan din na makinis ang balat, maayos ang ngipin, malinaw na mata o perfect vision (20/20) o kaya'y may contact lenses na di hihigit sa (20/30).
Naghahanap din ang PAL ng in-flight Chinese interpreters. Bukod sa katulad na criteria sa cabin crew, ang mga aplikante para sa posisyong ito ay dapat sanay o fluent sa Mandarin at Fookien.
Ang mga interesadong aplikante mula sa Eastern, Central at Western Visayas ay maaring magpatala sa Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Sergio Osmena Boulevard corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City mula alas otso ng umaga hanggang alas diyes sa mga nasabing petsa.
Mangyari lamang tumungo sa Radisson Hotel at magdala ng updated resume na may bagong close-up at full-body shot na litrato.
Para sa mga kababaihan, ang business attire ay corporate blazer, inner blouse at paldang hanggang tuhod and haba. Dapat nakapusod ang buhok, full make up, naka stockings at high-heeled closed shoes.
Ang mga lalaki naman ay dapat naka long-sleeved polo with necktie, itim na pantalon at leather shoes. Ang buhok ay dapat mukang malinis at maayos ang gupit.
Ang mga aplikante ay dapat Filipino citizen, hindi hihigit sa 27 years old,
college graduate at mahusay sa English at Pilipino.
Ang mga babaeng aplikante ay dapat single, may taas na at least 5’3”, samantalang ang mga lalaki naman ay preferably single, at may taas na 5’6” pataas. Kailangan din na makinis ang balat, maayos ang ngipin, malinaw na mata o perfect vision (20/20) o kaya'y may contact lenses na di hihigit sa (20/30).
Naghahanap din ang PAL ng in-flight Chinese interpreters. Bukod sa katulad na criteria sa cabin crew, ang mga aplikante para sa posisyong ito ay dapat sanay o fluent sa Mandarin at Fookien.
PAL cabin crew recruitment kicks off in the Visayas
For two weekends in October, Philippine Airlines will hold a cabin crew recruitment fair in Cebu City, giving aspirants from the Visayas a chance join the roster of PAL flight attendants without going to Manila.
Interested applicants from Central, Eastern and Western Visayas who dream of becoming a PAL cabin crew may apply in person in any of the two job fairs scheduled on October 5 to 7 and October 12 to 14, 2012,
respectively, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Sergio Osmena Boulevard corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City.
Registration of applicants for screening starts at 8AM and closes at 10AM. Processing of applications will follow until 5PM.
Applicants should bring their updated resumes with a close-up shot and full-body photo and should come in business attire.
Female business attire is corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt. Applicant must have her hair tied in a bun; in full make up and must wear stockings in high-heeled closed shoes. Male business attire is long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes. Hair must look neat and well-trimmed.
Applicant must be a Filipino citizen, not more than 27 years old, college graduate and can speak both English and Filipino. Female applicants must be single, at least 5’3”, while male applicants should be preferably single, and at least 5’6”. Weight must be proportionate to height. Clear complexion, good set of teeth, perfect vision (20/20) or with contact lenses but not beyond (20/30) are part of the criteria.
PAL is also looking for in-flight Chinese interpreters. Applicants for this position must be have the basic criteria as cabin crew aspirants, but in addition, must be fluent in Mandarin and Fookien.
The PAL Recruitment Tour will move to Mindanao after the completion of the twin fairs in Cebu.
Interested applicants from Central, Eastern and Western Visayas who dream of becoming a PAL cabin crew may apply in person in any of the two job fairs scheduled on October 5 to 7 and October 12 to 14, 2012,
respectively, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Sergio Osmena Boulevard corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City.
Registration of applicants for screening starts at 8AM and closes at 10AM. Processing of applications will follow until 5PM.
Applicants should bring their updated resumes with a close-up shot and full-body photo and should come in business attire.
Female business attire is corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt. Applicant must have her hair tied in a bun; in full make up and must wear stockings in high-heeled closed shoes. Male business attire is long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes. Hair must look neat and well-trimmed.
Applicant must be a Filipino citizen, not more than 27 years old, college graduate and can speak both English and Filipino. Female applicants must be single, at least 5’3”, while male applicants should be preferably single, and at least 5’6”. Weight must be proportionate to height. Clear complexion, good set of teeth, perfect vision (20/20) or with contact lenses but not beyond (20/30) are part of the criteria.
PAL is also looking for in-flight Chinese interpreters. Applicants for this position must be have the basic criteria as cabin crew aspirants, but in addition, must be fluent in Mandarin and Fookien.
The PAL Recruitment Tour will move to Mindanao after the completion of the twin fairs in Cebu.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
PAL Cabin Crew Recruitment Kicks Off In The Visayas Area
Manila Bulletin
October 6, 2012
For two weekends in October, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will hold a cabin crew recruitment fair in Cebu City, giving aspirants from the Visayas a chance to join the roster of PAL flights attendants without going to Manila.
Interested applicants from Central, Eastern and Western Visayas who dream of becoming a PAL cabin crew may apply in person in any of the two job fairs scheduled on October 12 to 14, 2012, respectively, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Sergio Osmena Boulevard corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City.
Registration of applicants for screening starts at 8 am and closes at 10 am. Processing of applications will follow until 5 pm.
Applicants should bring their updated resumes with a close-up shot and full-body photo anf should come in business attire.
Female business attire is corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt. Applicant must have her hair tied in a bun; in full make up and must wear stockings in high-heeled closed shoes. Male business attire is long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes. Hair must look neat and well-trimmed.
Applicant must be a Filipino citizen, not more than 27 years old, college graduate and can speak both English and Filipino. Female applicants must be single, at least 5'3", while male applicants should be preferably single, and at least 5'6". Weight must be proportionate to height. Clear complexion, good set of teeth, perfect vision (20/20) or with contact lenses but not beyond (20/30) are part of the criteria.
PAL is also looking for in-flight Chinese interpreters. Applicants for this position must have the basic criteria as cabin crew aspirants, but in addition, must be fluent in Mandarin and Fookien.
The PAL Recruitment Tour will move to Mindanao after the completion of the twin fairs in Cebu.
October 6, 2012
For two weekends in October, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will hold a cabin crew recruitment fair in Cebu City, giving aspirants from the Visayas a chance to join the roster of PAL flights attendants without going to Manila.
Interested applicants from Central, Eastern and Western Visayas who dream of becoming a PAL cabin crew may apply in person in any of the two job fairs scheduled on October 12 to 14, 2012, respectively, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Sergio Osmena Boulevard corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City.
Registration of applicants for screening starts at 8 am and closes at 10 am. Processing of applications will follow until 5 pm.
Applicants should bring their updated resumes with a close-up shot and full-body photo anf should come in business attire.
Female business attire is corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt. Applicant must have her hair tied in a bun; in full make up and must wear stockings in high-heeled closed shoes. Male business attire is long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes. Hair must look neat and well-trimmed.
Applicant must be a Filipino citizen, not more than 27 years old, college graduate and can speak both English and Filipino. Female applicants must be single, at least 5'3", while male applicants should be preferably single, and at least 5'6". Weight must be proportionate to height. Clear complexion, good set of teeth, perfect vision (20/20) or with contact lenses but not beyond (20/30) are part of the criteria.
PAL is also looking for in-flight Chinese interpreters. Applicants for this position must have the basic criteria as cabin crew aspirants, but in addition, must be fluent in Mandarin and Fookien.
The PAL Recruitment Tour will move to Mindanao after the completion of the twin fairs in Cebu.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
PAL to acquire 10 more Airbus jets
Philippine Daily Inquirer
September 29, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has exercised an option to acquire 10 more wide-body, long-haul Airbus planes from European manufacturer EADS as the company slowly phases out its old gas guzzlers in favor of more efficient aircraft.
The new planes would be on top of a previous batch of 10 Airbus A330 jets, which are part of an original order to buy 54 planes from EADS worth $7 billion.
PAL president Ramon S. Ang said the new planes would bring the worth of the company’s new orders to a total of $10 billion if published list prices were followed.
“The new planes will bring our unit costs down tremendously,” Ang told reporters at the sidelines of the PAL Holdings stockholders’ meeting Friday. “We can save as much as 20 percent per passenger with the new planes.”
PAL Holdings is the flag carrier’s parent company.
Ang described the company’s current fleet of older planes as “gas guzzlers,” especially when compared with the new orders that have newer, more fuel efficient engines.
Ang said the option to acquire the new planes, which was included in the airline’s original deal to buy the first batch of planes, was exercised two weeks ago.
He said the airline was also nearing a deal to acquire an additional 36 long-haul, wide-body planes either from EADS or its American plane-making rival, Boeing Co.
The new planes would likely be used for flights to the Middle East in the absence of an upgrade for the Philippines to “category 1” status with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The country’s current “category 2” grade prevents local airlines from expanding operations in the United States.
Meantime, San Miguel and the Lucio Tan group are in talks to form a joint venture for plans to build a new international airport that both groups hope would serve as the country’s premiere gateway.
September 29, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has exercised an option to acquire 10 more wide-body, long-haul Airbus planes from European manufacturer EADS as the company slowly phases out its old gas guzzlers in favor of more efficient aircraft.
The new planes would be on top of a previous batch of 10 Airbus A330 jets, which are part of an original order to buy 54 planes from EADS worth $7 billion.
PAL president Ramon S. Ang said the new planes would bring the worth of the company’s new orders to a total of $10 billion if published list prices were followed.
“The new planes will bring our unit costs down tremendously,” Ang told reporters at the sidelines of the PAL Holdings stockholders’ meeting Friday. “We can save as much as 20 percent per passenger with the new planes.”
PAL Holdings is the flag carrier’s parent company.
Ang described the company’s current fleet of older planes as “gas guzzlers,” especially when compared with the new orders that have newer, more fuel efficient engines.
Ang said the option to acquire the new planes, which was included in the airline’s original deal to buy the first batch of planes, was exercised two weeks ago.
He said the airline was also nearing a deal to acquire an additional 36 long-haul, wide-body planes either from EADS or its American plane-making rival, Boeing Co.
The new planes would likely be used for flights to the Middle East in the absence of an upgrade for the Philippines to “category 1” status with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The country’s current “category 2” grade prevents local airlines from expanding operations in the United States.
Meantime, San Miguel and the Lucio Tan group are in talks to form a joint venture for plans to build a new international airport that both groups hope would serve as the country’s premiere gateway.
PAL Orders 10 More A330s
Manila Bulletin
September 29, 2012
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine Airlines (PAL) has agreed to buy another $2.5 billion worth of Airbus jets from European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company NV, its president said on Friday, part of the fast-growing carrier's attempt to reclaim dominance of its local market.
The new deal involves the purchase of 10 wide-bodied jets with a list price of $250 million each, Ramon Ang told reporters, on top of the airline's $7-billion Airbus deal with announced in August.
"We are starting to replace our jets with wide-bodied planes because that is what the market wants," Ang told reporters on the sidelines of parent company PAL Holdings Inc.'s stockholders' meeting.
PAL still wants to buy 35 more planes, either from Airbus or Boeing Co., Ang said, in line with its plan to add 100 new jets to its fleet in the next five to seven years as it reshapes its business to take on main rival Cebu Air Inc.
"Our refleeting program right now is close to $10 billion," Ang said. "We exercised our option to buy 10-wide bodied jets (from Airbus) two weeks ago," he said, referring to the new purchases.
San Miguel Corp, which bought a 49 percent stake in PAL and a sister airline in April from Filipino billionaire and brewing rival Lucio Tan in a deal worth about $500 million, controls the management of the airline.
Ang also said San Miguel was considering teaming up with Tan to build a major new airport in the country, a project he said on Friday may cost $5-6 billion.
Ang also said on Friday that San Miguel, the Philippines' most diversified conglomerate, may have to delist three of its units, including flagship San Miguel Brewery Inc., from the local bourse if it failed to meet a minimum float requirement.
PAL Holdings is also likely to be delisted by the end of this year because it will not be able to comply with the free float rule, he said.
The Philippine Stock Exchange has set a Dec. 31 deadline for companies to raise their free float to at least 10 percent in order to avoid penalties such as trading suspension.
"We are trying our best (to see) if we can comply with the minimum requirement, but if not we will go for voluntary delisting," Ang told reporters. "We are having a difficult time."
San Miguel Brewery, San Miguel Properties Inc, San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc. are among more than two dozen firms that do not have enough shares floated.
"We would rather that no firm go and delist as their main option," Philippine Stock Exchange President Hans Sicat told Reuters.
For the three San Miguel firms to meet the 10 percent threshold would require issuance of $1.73 billion in new shares, according to Reuters' calculations.
Some firms which have free floats of less than 10 percent are preparing to sell shares in the next few weeks, while others are looking at an option to voluntarily delist.
If companies have not met the requirement by the end of this year, trading in their shares will be halted at the start of 2013, and forced delisting will follow if they fail to enlarge their free floats within the subsequent six months.
Shares in San Miguel Corp erased early losses to end the morning session flat. The broader Manila market was up 0.4 percent.
San Miguel shares have fallen more than 5 percent this year, underperforming the market which gained nearly 22 percent.
September 29, 2012
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine Airlines (PAL) has agreed to buy another $2.5 billion worth of Airbus jets from European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company NV, its president said on Friday, part of the fast-growing carrier's attempt to reclaim dominance of its local market.
The new deal involves the purchase of 10 wide-bodied jets with a list price of $250 million each, Ramon Ang told reporters, on top of the airline's $7-billion Airbus deal with announced in August.
"We are starting to replace our jets with wide-bodied planes because that is what the market wants," Ang told reporters on the sidelines of parent company PAL Holdings Inc.'s stockholders' meeting.
PAL still wants to buy 35 more planes, either from Airbus or Boeing Co., Ang said, in line with its plan to add 100 new jets to its fleet in the next five to seven years as it reshapes its business to take on main rival Cebu Air Inc.
"Our refleeting program right now is close to $10 billion," Ang said. "We exercised our option to buy 10-wide bodied jets (from Airbus) two weeks ago," he said, referring to the new purchases.
San Miguel Corp, which bought a 49 percent stake in PAL and a sister airline in April from Filipino billionaire and brewing rival Lucio Tan in a deal worth about $500 million, controls the management of the airline.
Ang also said San Miguel was considering teaming up with Tan to build a major new airport in the country, a project he said on Friday may cost $5-6 billion.
Ang also said on Friday that San Miguel, the Philippines' most diversified conglomerate, may have to delist three of its units, including flagship San Miguel Brewery Inc., from the local bourse if it failed to meet a minimum float requirement.
PAL Holdings is also likely to be delisted by the end of this year because it will not be able to comply with the free float rule, he said.
The Philippine Stock Exchange has set a Dec. 31 deadline for companies to raise their free float to at least 10 percent in order to avoid penalties such as trading suspension.
"We are trying our best (to see) if we can comply with the minimum requirement, but if not we will go for voluntary delisting," Ang told reporters. "We are having a difficult time."
San Miguel Brewery, San Miguel Properties Inc, San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc. are among more than two dozen firms that do not have enough shares floated.
"We would rather that no firm go and delist as their main option," Philippine Stock Exchange President Hans Sicat told Reuters.
For the three San Miguel firms to meet the 10 percent threshold would require issuance of $1.73 billion in new shares, according to Reuters' calculations.
Some firms which have free floats of less than 10 percent are preparing to sell shares in the next few weeks, while others are looking at an option to voluntarily delist.
If companies have not met the requirement by the end of this year, trading in their shares will be halted at the start of 2013, and forced delisting will follow if they fail to enlarge their free floats within the subsequent six months.
Shares in San Miguel Corp erased early losses to end the morning session flat. The broader Manila market was up 0.4 percent.
San Miguel shares have fallen more than 5 percent this year, underperforming the market which gained nearly 22 percent.
Ang says PAL airport project to cost $6b
Manila Standard Today
September 29, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
San Miguel Corp., which has a 49 percent stake in Philippine Airlines, said Friday it is in talks with taipan Lucio Tan to invest up to $6 billion in a new airport that is expected to replace the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as Manila's main gateway.
San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, however, declined to identify the exact location of the future airport, which he said would take two to three years to build.
He denied reports the new airport would be built in Bulacan province, just north of Metro Manila. "Bulacan is a mountainous area. You cannot put an airport there," Ang told reporters at the sidelines of the PAL Holdings Inc.'s annual stockholders' meeting.
Ang, who is also the president of PAL, said the shareholders of PAL and San Miguel were in talks with the Tan family for the proposed private airport, which will also be opened to other airlines later on.
"This project is between two shareholders - SMC and Lucio Tan family. We will file a disclosure if there's a definite time. We intend to talk to the government to submit in January next year. We are preparing," Ang said.
Ang said the project might cost $5 billion to $6 billion, with $1 billion to $2 billion representing the equity to be infused by each party.
PAL Holdings, the holdings company of Philippine Airlines, may voluntarily delist from the Philippine Stock Exchange by the end of the year, as the company may not be able to comply with the minimum float requirement. Only 2.3 percent of PAL Holdings Inc.'s shares are held by the public.
"We have no choice but to comply with the 10-percent minimum public float, because we will not be able to reach the timeline for us to be able to do another round [of share sale]," Ang said.
"We will not let the PSE to delist us, because it's not good for us. We are taking the option of doing it voluntarily to avoid hassle. Before the end of the year, we will delist," Ang said.
Ang said PAL was focusing on its refleeting program. "In fact, we signed two weeks ago with Airbus for additional 10 wide-body A330 on top of the 54 aircraft we bought earlier. We are still in talks with the aircraft manufacturers," Ang said.
The list price for each A330 was $250 million or $2.5 billion for all the 10 planes on top of the $7 billion earlier signed with Airbus, Ang said.
September 29, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
San Miguel Corp., which has a 49 percent stake in Philippine Airlines, said Friday it is in talks with taipan Lucio Tan to invest up to $6 billion in a new airport that is expected to replace the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as Manila's main gateway.
San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, however, declined to identify the exact location of the future airport, which he said would take two to three years to build.
He denied reports the new airport would be built in Bulacan province, just north of Metro Manila. "Bulacan is a mountainous area. You cannot put an airport there," Ang told reporters at the sidelines of the PAL Holdings Inc.'s annual stockholders' meeting.
Ang, who is also the president of PAL, said the shareholders of PAL and San Miguel were in talks with the Tan family for the proposed private airport, which will also be opened to other airlines later on.
"This project is between two shareholders - SMC and Lucio Tan family. We will file a disclosure if there's a definite time. We intend to talk to the government to submit in January next year. We are preparing," Ang said.
Ang said the project might cost $5 billion to $6 billion, with $1 billion to $2 billion representing the equity to be infused by each party.
PAL Holdings, the holdings company of Philippine Airlines, may voluntarily delist from the Philippine Stock Exchange by the end of the year, as the company may not be able to comply with the minimum float requirement. Only 2.3 percent of PAL Holdings Inc.'s shares are held by the public.
"We have no choice but to comply with the 10-percent minimum public float, because we will not be able to reach the timeline for us to be able to do another round [of share sale]," Ang said.
"We will not let the PSE to delist us, because it's not good for us. We are taking the option of doing it voluntarily to avoid hassle. Before the end of the year, we will delist," Ang said.
Ang said PAL was focusing on its refleeting program. "In fact, we signed two weeks ago with Airbus for additional 10 wide-body A330 on top of the 54 aircraft we bought earlier. We are still in talks with the aircraft manufacturers," Ang said.
The list price for each A330 was $250 million or $2.5 billion for all the 10 planes on top of the $7 billion earlier signed with Airbus, Ang said.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
PAL Planning Iloilo-Korea Flights
Manila Bulletin
September 25, 2012
MANILA (PNA) — The Philippine Airlines (PAL) direct international flight Iloilo to Korea is now on the pipeline, PAL Iloilo manager Juancho Demaguila said.
Demaguila said that they admired the courage of Cebu Pacific to already have its inaugural flight for Iloilo to Hong Kong on Nov. 8 and Iloilo to Singapore on Nov. 9.
“We admire the courage or the guts of Cebu Pacific,” Demaguila said.
He said that for PAL, their higher management was seriously studying to have Iloilo to Korea direct flights and which they hoped to sustain in the long-term.
“There’s a Korean school here that is very aggressive in bringing in students,” Demaguila said. He said that with their tie up with the Korean school, they would be assured of flying Korean students to Iloilo.
He said that they would not only be flying students though, but also the Korean tourists. Korean tourists yearly top the Western Visayas foreign tourist arrivals and generating sizable amount for the tourism industries in the region, especially Boracay island in Aklan.
Meanwhile, the low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific will make the record as the first to fly internationally from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Singapore.
September 25, 2012
MANILA (PNA) — The Philippine Airlines (PAL) direct international flight Iloilo to Korea is now on the pipeline, PAL Iloilo manager Juancho Demaguila said.
Demaguila said that they admired the courage of Cebu Pacific to already have its inaugural flight for Iloilo to Hong Kong on Nov. 8 and Iloilo to Singapore on Nov. 9.
“We admire the courage or the guts of Cebu Pacific,” Demaguila said.
He said that for PAL, their higher management was seriously studying to have Iloilo to Korea direct flights and which they hoped to sustain in the long-term.
“There’s a Korean school here that is very aggressive in bringing in students,” Demaguila said. He said that with their tie up with the Korean school, they would be assured of flying Korean students to Iloilo.
He said that they would not only be flying students though, but also the Korean tourists. Korean tourists yearly top the Western Visayas foreign tourist arrivals and generating sizable amount for the tourism industries in the region, especially Boracay island in Aklan.
Meanwhile, the low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific will make the record as the first to fly internationally from Iloilo to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Monday, September 3, 2012
PAL to realign canada flight entitlements
Business Mirror
September 3, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is realigning its existing flight entitlements for Vancouver to service another destination in Canada.
PAL President Ramon S. Ang said the flag carrier plans to start servicing the Manila-Toronto route on November 30. "We will serve not only Vancouver but Toronto as well," he said.
PAL is currently the only airline flying between the Philippines and Canada. It was assigned seven entitlements for the Manila-Vancouver route.
PAL Officer in Charge for Commercial Group Rafael Rollan said the airline will use three of the seven entitlements to service the Manila-Toronto route. The remaining four will be used for services to Vancouver.
"There will be four entitlements for our Manila-Vancouver [route] and the other three will be used to fly Manila to Toronto non-stop. The realignment of flight frequencies will begin on November 30. As we speak, we are finalizing the pricing. Maybe by mid-September the pricing will be uploaded in our web site already," said Rollan in an interview.
PAL needs an additional seven flight entitlements on top of the existing seven but there are no available entitlements. The Philippine airpanel has yet to set talks with its counterpart in Canada, said Rollan. "Ideally, if we can secure another seven or more [entitlements], that is what we want," he added.
The airline is exhausting all means to secure entitlements to the North American country. Rollan said PAL wrote to Air canada to ask if PAL could borrow the latter's enttitlements since Air Canada is not flying to Manila.
"We wrote [Air Canada] but they have not responded to us. They have seven unutilized entitlements. Hopefully, they could lend us their frequencies through code-sharing because this arrangement was done before," said Rollan.
He explained that the additional entitlements inject the much-needed capacity into PAL's Vancouver route, the only direct link between Canada and the Philippines, and has long been sought by the sizebale Filipino migrant commnunity in that country as well as by the business and leisure segments of the market.
"We want to test Toronto. We will try to develop the market," he added.
Ang earlier said, "in the near future, PAL will fly non-stop to Toronto, Paris, New York City and in the Middle East." PAL plans to expand its fleet by placing orders for 100 airplanes.
September 3, 2012
By Lenie Lectura
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is realigning its existing flight entitlements for Vancouver to service another destination in Canada.
PAL President Ramon S. Ang said the flag carrier plans to start servicing the Manila-Toronto route on November 30. "We will serve not only Vancouver but Toronto as well," he said.
PAL is currently the only airline flying between the Philippines and Canada. It was assigned seven entitlements for the Manila-Vancouver route.
PAL Officer in Charge for Commercial Group Rafael Rollan said the airline will use three of the seven entitlements to service the Manila-Toronto route. The remaining four will be used for services to Vancouver.
"There will be four entitlements for our Manila-Vancouver [route] and the other three will be used to fly Manila to Toronto non-stop. The realignment of flight frequencies will begin on November 30. As we speak, we are finalizing the pricing. Maybe by mid-September the pricing will be uploaded in our web site already," said Rollan in an interview.
PAL needs an additional seven flight entitlements on top of the existing seven but there are no available entitlements. The Philippine airpanel has yet to set talks with its counterpart in Canada, said Rollan. "Ideally, if we can secure another seven or more [entitlements], that is what we want," he added.
The airline is exhausting all means to secure entitlements to the North American country. Rollan said PAL wrote to Air canada to ask if PAL could borrow the latter's enttitlements since Air Canada is not flying to Manila.
"We wrote [Air Canada] but they have not responded to us. They have seven unutilized entitlements. Hopefully, they could lend us their frequencies through code-sharing because this arrangement was done before," said Rollan.
He explained that the additional entitlements inject the much-needed capacity into PAL's Vancouver route, the only direct link between Canada and the Philippines, and has long been sought by the sizebale Filipino migrant commnunity in that country as well as by the business and leisure segments of the market.
"We want to test Toronto. We will try to develop the market," he added.
Ang earlier said, "in the near future, PAL will fly non-stop to Toronto, Paris, New York City and in the Middle East." PAL plans to expand its fleet by placing orders for 100 airplanes.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
PAL proposes new airport in Manila
The Manila Times
September 1, 2012
By Rosalie C. Periabras
To meet the growing demand of travelers in the Philippines, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is proposing the construction of a new international airport to the government.
Ramon Ang, president and chief operating officer of PAL, said that the airline has a vision to create a new international airport in Manila if the government will give them a go signal. He added that they will propose the construction of the new airport to President Benigno Aquino 3rd by January or February.
"In 36 months ribbon cutting already," Ang noted.
He also said that the new airport would have four parallel runways so that aircraft could fly simultaneously. It would also span 2,000 hectares, which includes a shopping mall, restaurants and other major industries.
He said that the company is in talks with a Korean contractor for the project, which has a 36-month completion target or about three years.
Ang said that the proposed project would be aligned with the government's tourism plan.
Meanwhile, for the fiscal first quarter ending June, PAL reported a net income of $11.4 million, a turnaround from a net loss of $10.6 million registered in the same preiod last year.
The company incurred a net loss of $99.79 million for its 2011 to 2012 fiscal year, citing labor disturbance, the Japan tsunami disaster and volatile fuel prices amid civil strife in Middle East.
PAL's operational revenues increased marginally by 2.6 percent to $1.72 billion as the airline carried 8.22 million passengers, down from the previous year but still strong enough to translate to better revenues.
The proposed airport project is also a reinforcement to the airline's $7-billion deal to buy 54 planes which will start delivery in 2013.
Ang had said that the airline will buy a total of 100 planes to stengthen its regional flights.
The new aircraft will be used for its Middle East and Australia routes.
PAL carried more than nine million passengers both domestic and international during the 2010 and 2011 period.
September 1, 2012
By Rosalie C. Periabras
To meet the growing demand of travelers in the Philippines, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is proposing the construction of a new international airport to the government.
Ramon Ang, president and chief operating officer of PAL, said that the airline has a vision to create a new international airport in Manila if the government will give them a go signal. He added that they will propose the construction of the new airport to President Benigno Aquino 3rd by January or February.
"In 36 months ribbon cutting already," Ang noted.
He also said that the new airport would have four parallel runways so that aircraft could fly simultaneously. It would also span 2,000 hectares, which includes a shopping mall, restaurants and other major industries.
He said that the company is in talks with a Korean contractor for the project, which has a 36-month completion target or about three years.
Ang said that the proposed project would be aligned with the government's tourism plan.
Meanwhile, for the fiscal first quarter ending June, PAL reported a net income of $11.4 million, a turnaround from a net loss of $10.6 million registered in the same preiod last year.
The company incurred a net loss of $99.79 million for its 2011 to 2012 fiscal year, citing labor disturbance, the Japan tsunami disaster and volatile fuel prices amid civil strife in Middle East.
PAL's operational revenues increased marginally by 2.6 percent to $1.72 billion as the airline carried 8.22 million passengers, down from the previous year but still strong enough to translate to better revenues.
The proposed airport project is also a reinforcement to the airline's $7-billion deal to buy 54 planes which will start delivery in 2013.
Ang had said that the airline will buy a total of 100 planes to stengthen its regional flights.
The new aircraft will be used for its Middle East and Australia routes.
PAL carried more than nine million passengers both domestic and international during the 2010 and 2011 period.
Friday, August 31, 2012
PAL Returns To Profitability With $11.4 Million In FY Quarter
Manila Bulletin
August 31, 2012
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is back in the black, netting US$11.4 million earnings for its fiscal first quarter ending June, 2012, from a net loss of US$10.6 millio in the comparative period and is now planning to build a new airport of its own in a 2,000 hectare area 15 minutes away from Makati next year.
PAL President Ramon S. Ang made the announcement in a presscon after yesterday’s stockholders’ meeting at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.
Earlier, the airline’s holding company, PAL Holdings, also reported making gains in the fiscal first quarter ending June amounting to R489.2 million from a net loss of R475.1 million posted the previous year.
PAL incurred a net loss of US$99.79 million for its 2011-2012 fiscal year, citing labor disturbance, the Japan tsunami and volatile fuel prices amidst civil strife in the Middle East.
PAL’s total comprehensive loss of US$99.79 million in the past 12 months to March 31, 2012 was a “stark reversal” from the US$72.52 million comprehensive income the year before, Chairman Lucio C. Tan conceded.
Operational revenues actually increased marginally by 2.6% to $1.72 billion as the airline carried 8.22 million passengers,down from the previous year but still strong enough to translate to better revenues, he noted.
However, uncontrollable external factors combined to jack up operational expenses by 14.6% to $1.84 billion, wiping out the modest gains and squeezing PAL financially.
Fuel was again the major culprit, with the average price shooting up to $128.37 per barrel, 30% higher than the year before, due to the turmoil in the Middle East. As a result, fuel made up 43.8% of PAL’s operating expenses, up from 39.6% previously.
But now, the flag carrier has put the difficulties of the past year behind. Since new investors came in PAL this April, the airline gained stability, increasing its yield, load factors and cargo volumes and improving its maintainance.
In his report to shareholders, Tan said investments are being made to put PAL firmly on the path to future growth. For his part, the PAL president stressed that the airline’s fleet modernization program can sustain the positive results that was achieved by the airline for the fiscal first three months.
“Despite multiple challenges last year, PAL stayed the course and dramatically restructured its operations, enabling your airline to attract much-needed strategic investments and prime itself for Sustained push in the years ahead,” according to Tan.
Next year, by January or February, Ang will present PAL’s plan for a new air terminal and 4 runways to President Benigno Aquino III for his approval and to ensure that the project will be aligned to the head of state’s masterplan for Philippine tourism.
While he declined to give details on the project cost and location, the PAL President says it will be easy to find financing for the proposed terminal with just USD$500 Million equity. He is already in discussion with investors.
PAL can start construction of the new terminal in 2013, as soon as the President approves the project and plans to hire Korean contractors.”We can finish the terminal in three years.”
August 31, 2012
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is back in the black, netting US$11.4 million earnings for its fiscal first quarter ending June, 2012, from a net loss of US$10.6 millio in the comparative period and is now planning to build a new airport of its own in a 2,000 hectare area 15 minutes away from Makati next year.
PAL President Ramon S. Ang made the announcement in a presscon after yesterday’s stockholders’ meeting at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.
Earlier, the airline’s holding company, PAL Holdings, also reported making gains in the fiscal first quarter ending June amounting to R489.2 million from a net loss of R475.1 million posted the previous year.
PAL incurred a net loss of US$99.79 million for its 2011-2012 fiscal year, citing labor disturbance, the Japan tsunami and volatile fuel prices amidst civil strife in the Middle East.
PAL’s total comprehensive loss of US$99.79 million in the past 12 months to March 31, 2012 was a “stark reversal” from the US$72.52 million comprehensive income the year before, Chairman Lucio C. Tan conceded.
Operational revenues actually increased marginally by 2.6% to $1.72 billion as the airline carried 8.22 million passengers,down from the previous year but still strong enough to translate to better revenues, he noted.
However, uncontrollable external factors combined to jack up operational expenses by 14.6% to $1.84 billion, wiping out the modest gains and squeezing PAL financially.
Fuel was again the major culprit, with the average price shooting up to $128.37 per barrel, 30% higher than the year before, due to the turmoil in the Middle East. As a result, fuel made up 43.8% of PAL’s operating expenses, up from 39.6% previously.
But now, the flag carrier has put the difficulties of the past year behind. Since new investors came in PAL this April, the airline gained stability, increasing its yield, load factors and cargo volumes and improving its maintainance.
In his report to shareholders, Tan said investments are being made to put PAL firmly on the path to future growth. For his part, the PAL president stressed that the airline’s fleet modernization program can sustain the positive results that was achieved by the airline for the fiscal first three months.
“Despite multiple challenges last year, PAL stayed the course and dramatically restructured its operations, enabling your airline to attract much-needed strategic investments and prime itself for Sustained push in the years ahead,” according to Tan.
Next year, by January or February, Ang will present PAL’s plan for a new air terminal and 4 runways to President Benigno Aquino III for his approval and to ensure that the project will be aligned to the head of state’s masterplan for Philippine tourism.
While he declined to give details on the project cost and location, the PAL President says it will be easy to find financing for the proposed terminal with just USD$500 Million equity. He is already in discussion with investors.
PAL can start construction of the new terminal in 2013, as soon as the President approves the project and plans to hire Korean contractors.”We can finish the terminal in three years.”
PAL plans to build own airport
The Philippine Star
August 31, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) is contemplating on putting up a new international airport near Manila as it undertakes a massive re-fleeting program that involves the acquisition of 100 aircraft within the next few years.
In a press conference after the company’s stockholders’ meeting yesterday at the Century Park Hotel, PAL president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the airline would put forward a presentation of the proposed international airport to Malacañang either by January to February next year.
Ang told reporters that the proposed international airport would be situated in a 2,000-hectare property and would boast of a modern passenger terminal and four runways.
With two initial runways, he explained that the proposed international airports could handle 1,500 events (landing and take-off) per day putting the Philippines at par with the airports in Sydney, Australia as well as Heathrow in London.
PAL currently exclusively occupies the government-run NAIA Terminal 2 also known as the Centennial Terminal while Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) of John Gokongwei and other airlines operate at the NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 3.
Furthermore, he said the proposed airport would be accessible via elevated six-lane highways and would also feature hotels, malls, and other facilities.
He added that the proposed international airport would co-exist with the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The NAIA was voted as the world’s worst airport by the interactive website “The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.”
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has ordered a reduction in traffic at NAIA due to delayed and cancelled flights.
The PAL chief executive refused to divulge other details of the project including the total cost as well as the exact location of the proposed international airport.
Ang revealed that the company would tap other investors to put up the proposed international airport that would be completed within three years.
He said an additional equity infusion of $500 million from existing shareholders would be enough to raise the financial requirement of the new international airport.
According to him, the airline is looking at tapping a Korean contractor to put up the proposed international airport.
This way, the multi-million dollar international airport project could be funded through a soft loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
The airline could also tap the bond market to raise funds to bankroll the proposed international airport.
The government has been pursuing the development of the Clark International Airport to shift traffic away from the congested NAIA in Manila.
However, Ang pointed out that the airline has dropped plans to move to Clark because travel time to the former US military naval base is about two hours drive from Makati City.
PAL’s ongoing major fleet modernization program undertaken with the entry of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) involves the acquisition of 100 new aircraft.
It entered into a $7 billion contract with Airbus for the purchase of 54 aircraft comprising of single aisle A321s and widebody A330-300s wherein the first batch would be delivered early next year.
The $500 million fresh equity infused by SMC through San Miguel Equity Investments Inc. allowed the airline to undertake the modernization program. SMC controls about 49 percent of Trustmark Holdings. Trustmark and affiliate Zuma Holdings own PAL Holdings and sister airline AirPhil Express.
PAL currently maintains and operates 39 aircraft comprising of five Boeing B747-400s and three B777-300ERs as well as four Airbus A340-300s, eight A330-300s, 15 A320-200s, and four A319-100s.
Meanwhile, PAL is set to revive the PAL Express brand through the rebranding of AirPhil Express (Air Philippines Corp.) that would focus on regional and domestic flights.
Ang told reporters yesterday that the proposed rebranding to PAL Express from AirPhil Express has been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
PAL Express (short for Philippine Airlines Express) used to be the low-cost regional airline brand of Philippine Airlines. However, it ceased operations in March of 2010 and transferred all service to Airphil Express.
It used to operate from Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City, with smaller operations from PAL’s main hub in Manila, flying primarily intra-regional routes in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as secondary routes to smaller airports in island provinces that are not able to accommodate mainline PAL jet aircraft.
Ang explained that PAL Express would continue to focus on regional and domestic destinations while PAL would be aggressively pursuing long-haul flights.
August 31, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) is contemplating on putting up a new international airport near Manila as it undertakes a massive re-fleeting program that involves the acquisition of 100 aircraft within the next few years.
In a press conference after the company’s stockholders’ meeting yesterday at the Century Park Hotel, PAL president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the airline would put forward a presentation of the proposed international airport to Malacañang either by January to February next year.
Ang told reporters that the proposed international airport would be situated in a 2,000-hectare property and would boast of a modern passenger terminal and four runways.
With two initial runways, he explained that the proposed international airports could handle 1,500 events (landing and take-off) per day putting the Philippines at par with the airports in Sydney, Australia as well as Heathrow in London.
PAL currently exclusively occupies the government-run NAIA Terminal 2 also known as the Centennial Terminal while Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) of John Gokongwei and other airlines operate at the NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 3.
Furthermore, he said the proposed airport would be accessible via elevated six-lane highways and would also feature hotels, malls, and other facilities.
He added that the proposed international airport would co-exist with the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The NAIA was voted as the world’s worst airport by the interactive website “The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.”
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has ordered a reduction in traffic at NAIA due to delayed and cancelled flights.
The PAL chief executive refused to divulge other details of the project including the total cost as well as the exact location of the proposed international airport.
Ang revealed that the company would tap other investors to put up the proposed international airport that would be completed within three years.
He said an additional equity infusion of $500 million from existing shareholders would be enough to raise the financial requirement of the new international airport.
According to him, the airline is looking at tapping a Korean contractor to put up the proposed international airport.
This way, the multi-million dollar international airport project could be funded through a soft loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
The airline could also tap the bond market to raise funds to bankroll the proposed international airport.
The government has been pursuing the development of the Clark International Airport to shift traffic away from the congested NAIA in Manila.
However, Ang pointed out that the airline has dropped plans to move to Clark because travel time to the former US military naval base is about two hours drive from Makati City.
PAL’s ongoing major fleet modernization program undertaken with the entry of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) involves the acquisition of 100 new aircraft.
It entered into a $7 billion contract with Airbus for the purchase of 54 aircraft comprising of single aisle A321s and widebody A330-300s wherein the first batch would be delivered early next year.
The $500 million fresh equity infused by SMC through San Miguel Equity Investments Inc. allowed the airline to undertake the modernization program. SMC controls about 49 percent of Trustmark Holdings. Trustmark and affiliate Zuma Holdings own PAL Holdings and sister airline AirPhil Express.
PAL currently maintains and operates 39 aircraft comprising of five Boeing B747-400s and three B777-300ERs as well as four Airbus A340-300s, eight A330-300s, 15 A320-200s, and four A319-100s.
Meanwhile, PAL is set to revive the PAL Express brand through the rebranding of AirPhil Express (Air Philippines Corp.) that would focus on regional and domestic flights.
Ang told reporters yesterday that the proposed rebranding to PAL Express from AirPhil Express has been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
PAL Express (short for Philippine Airlines Express) used to be the low-cost regional airline brand of Philippine Airlines. However, it ceased operations in March of 2010 and transferred all service to Airphil Express.
It used to operate from Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City, with smaller operations from PAL’s main hub in Manila, flying primarily intra-regional routes in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as secondary routes to smaller airports in island provinces that are not able to accommodate mainline PAL jet aircraft.
Ang explained that PAL Express would continue to focus on regional and domestic destinations while PAL would be aggressively pursuing long-haul flights.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Lufthansa Technik Checks PAL Jet
Manila Bulletin
August 27, 2012
Three Philippine Airlines' (PAL) two brand-new Airbus A320-200 aircraft and one Boeing 777-300ER will undergo maintenance check at Lufthansa Technik Philippines.
LTP's vast experience and proven expertise with long-term client PAL makes the Manila facility the choice of maintenance of the newly leased aircraft.
As part of the agreement, the Air320's and B777 will be scheduled for line maintenance and other technical services.
"we are pleased to welcome PAL's new additions to its fleet. PAL remains as one of LTP's most valuable customer, and all these years of partnership can only translate to a more solid cooperation in the next years to come. We assure PAL of committed quality service to keep their planes flying safely ," shares Yayo Esquillo, key accounts manager.
PAL is expecting two more A320-200s and one B777-300ER to arrive before the year ends. The flag carrier will lease all brand new aircraft. (EHL)
August 27, 2012
Three Philippine Airlines' (PAL) two brand-new Airbus A320-200 aircraft and one Boeing 777-300ER will undergo maintenance check at Lufthansa Technik Philippines.
LTP's vast experience and proven expertise with long-term client PAL makes the Manila facility the choice of maintenance of the newly leased aircraft.
As part of the agreement, the Air320's and B777 will be scheduled for line maintenance and other technical services.
"we are pleased to welcome PAL's new additions to its fleet. PAL remains as one of LTP's most valuable customer, and all these years of partnership can only translate to a more solid cooperation in the next years to come. We assure PAL of committed quality service to keep their planes flying safely ," shares Yayo Esquillo, key accounts manager.
PAL is expecting two more A320-200s and one B777-300ER to arrive before the year ends. The flag carrier will lease all brand new aircraft. (EHL)
Sunday, August 26, 2012
PAL Airlifts Flood Relief Goods
Manila Bulletin
August 26, 2012
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has airlifted nearly a hundred tons of high-value relief goods for free to victims of the recent calamity in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The relief goods, which ranged from export-quality bananas to specially fortified ready-to-eat food, came from various domestic and international donor-organizations who availed of the PAL Humanitarian Cargo Grant. (EVA)
August 26, 2012
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has airlifted nearly a hundred tons of high-value relief goods for free to victims of the recent calamity in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The relief goods, which ranged from export-quality bananas to specially fortified ready-to-eat food, came from various domestic and international donor-organizations who availed of the PAL Humanitarian Cargo Grant. (EVA)
Saturday, August 25, 2012
PAL books P489-M net income in Q1
The Philippine Star
August 25, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, a joint venture between taipan Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is back in the black in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending June as it booked a net income of P489.2 million on the back of lower oil prices as well as higher passenger traffic.
In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), PAL Holdings said the income booked from April to June this year was a complete reversal of the P475.1 million net loss recorded in the same period last year.
PAL Holdings reported that the airlines revenues rose 5.8 percent to P20.783 billion in the first quarter of its 2012 fiscal year from P19.641 billion for the first quarter of its 2011 fiscal year on the back of higher passenger traffic.
“The increase in revenues of P1.142 billion during the quarter was primarily due to higher passenger revenues earned brought about by a 6.9 percent improvement in yields generated from passenger seat offerings complemented by the growth in passenger traffic,” the airline said.
It added that revenues also include lease income arising from aircraft operating lease arrangements with an entity under common control.
The company reported that expenses inched up by only one percent to P20.297 billion or the period April to June 2012 from P20.095 billion in the same period last year due higher expenses related to maintenance, passenger service, general and administrative and other expenses offset by the decrease in flying operations.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Data showed that maintenance expenses jumped 20.9 percent as a result of higher engine and component repair costs incurred during the current period while passenger service expenses climbed 3.3 percent on the back of the growth in passenger traffic particularly on international flights.
Likewise, the airline’s general and administrative expenses went up 7.6 percent due to costs incurred related to the financing and delivery of one Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Data showed that the airline’s flying operations improved by P212 million mainly contributed by lower fuel costs and depreciation of flight equipment countered by the increase in aircraft lease rentals.
PAL Holdings said that jet fuel expenses fell 3.4 percent due to the decline in average jet fuel price per barrel to $135.6 in 2012 from $138.00 in 2011 to $135.60 in 2012.
August 25, 2012
By Lawrence Agcaoili
MANILA, Philippines - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, a joint venture between taipan Lucio Tan and diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is back in the black in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending June as it booked a net income of P489.2 million on the back of lower oil prices as well as higher passenger traffic.
In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), PAL Holdings said the income booked from April to June this year was a complete reversal of the P475.1 million net loss recorded in the same period last year.
PAL Holdings reported that the airlines revenues rose 5.8 percent to P20.783 billion in the first quarter of its 2012 fiscal year from P19.641 billion for the first quarter of its 2011 fiscal year on the back of higher passenger traffic.
“The increase in revenues of P1.142 billion during the quarter was primarily due to higher passenger revenues earned brought about by a 6.9 percent improvement in yields generated from passenger seat offerings complemented by the growth in passenger traffic,” the airline said.
It added that revenues also include lease income arising from aircraft operating lease arrangements with an entity under common control.
The company reported that expenses inched up by only one percent to P20.297 billion or the period April to June 2012 from P20.095 billion in the same period last year due higher expenses related to maintenance, passenger service, general and administrative and other expenses offset by the decrease in flying operations.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Data showed that maintenance expenses jumped 20.9 percent as a result of higher engine and component repair costs incurred during the current period while passenger service expenses climbed 3.3 percent on the back of the growth in passenger traffic particularly on international flights.
Likewise, the airline’s general and administrative expenses went up 7.6 percent due to costs incurred related to the financing and delivery of one Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Data showed that the airline’s flying operations improved by P212 million mainly contributed by lower fuel costs and depreciation of flight equipment countered by the increase in aircraft lease rentals.
PAL Holdings said that jet fuel expenses fell 3.4 percent due to the decline in average jet fuel price per barrel to $135.6 in 2012 from $138.00 in 2011 to $135.60 in 2012.
PAL halts skid, posts income of P489.2M as of June
Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 25, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
Publicly-listed PAL Holdings, parent firm of flag carrier Philippine Airlines, ended the April to June period in the black—following several quarters of losses—on the back of higher revenues and lower fuel costs.
In a disclosure, PAL Holdings said it had posted a comprehensive net income of P489.2 million, a significant turnaround from the P475.1 million-loss in the same three-month period last year. April to June is the first quarter of PAL’s fiscal year.
Total revenues for the first quarter of the current fiscal year amounted to P20.8 billion or 5.8 percent higher than last year’s P19.6 billion.
The increase in revenues of P1.14 billion was primarily due to “higher passenger revenues earned brought about by a 6.9-percent improvement in yields generated from passenger seat offerings complemented by the growth in passenger traffic.”
“Revenues also include lease income arising from aircraft operating lease arrangements with an entity under common control,” the airline said, referring to several planes it leased out to sister firm Air Phil Express.
“Growth in passenger traffic particularly on international flights operated had the effect of increasing passenger service expenses to P1.3 billion or by 3.3 percent,” the company said.
Total expenses for April to June 2012 period rose to P20.3 billion, a 1 percent increase over the previous year’s P20.1 billion.
“This was attributable to higher expenses related to maintenance, passenger service, general and administrative and other expenses offset by the decrease in flying operations,” the company said.
The company said income from flying operations improved by P212 million, mainly as a result of lower fuel costs and depreciation of flight equipment, countered by the increase in aircraft lease rentals.
Jet fuel, which remains the biggest operating expense, registered a 3.4-percent decrease over last year’s P9.12 billion. “This was brought about by the decline in average jet fuel price per barrel from $138 in 2011 to $135.6 in 2012,” the company said.
August 25, 2012
By Paolo G. Montecillo
Publicly-listed PAL Holdings, parent firm of flag carrier Philippine Airlines, ended the April to June period in the black—following several quarters of losses—on the back of higher revenues and lower fuel costs.
In a disclosure, PAL Holdings said it had posted a comprehensive net income of P489.2 million, a significant turnaround from the P475.1 million-loss in the same three-month period last year. April to June is the first quarter of PAL’s fiscal year.
Total revenues for the first quarter of the current fiscal year amounted to P20.8 billion or 5.8 percent higher than last year’s P19.6 billion.
The increase in revenues of P1.14 billion was primarily due to “higher passenger revenues earned brought about by a 6.9-percent improvement in yields generated from passenger seat offerings complemented by the growth in passenger traffic.”
“Revenues also include lease income arising from aircraft operating lease arrangements with an entity under common control,” the airline said, referring to several planes it leased out to sister firm Air Phil Express.
“Growth in passenger traffic particularly on international flights operated had the effect of increasing passenger service expenses to P1.3 billion or by 3.3 percent,” the company said.
Total expenses for April to June 2012 period rose to P20.3 billion, a 1 percent increase over the previous year’s P20.1 billion.
“This was attributable to higher expenses related to maintenance, passenger service, general and administrative and other expenses offset by the decrease in flying operations,” the company said.
The company said income from flying operations improved by P212 million, mainly as a result of lower fuel costs and depreciation of flight equipment, countered by the increase in aircraft lease rentals.
Jet fuel, which remains the biggest operating expense, registered a 3.4-percent decrease over last year’s P9.12 billion. “This was brought about by the decline in average jet fuel price per barrel from $138 in 2011 to $135.6 in 2012,” the company said.
PAL swings to P489-m profit
Manila Standard Today
August 25, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
Philippine Airlines, the country's first flag carrier, is back in the black after posting increased revenues in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending June.
PAL Holdings said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday that the total comprehensive income in the April-to-June period hit P489.2 million, a turnaround from a loss of P475.1 million year-on-year, due mainly to higher passenger traffic.
Total revenues in the first quarter amounted to P20.78 billion, up 5.8 percent from last year's P19.64 billion.
PAL attributed the increased revenues to higher passenger income, brought about by a 6.9-percent improvement in yields generated from promotional seat offerings and growth in traffic.
Revenues also include lease income from arrangements with an entity under common control.
Total expenses rose 1 percent to P20.29 billion from P20.09 billion on year.
The company attributed the slightly higher expenses to maintenance, passenger service, general and administrative and other expenses offset by the decrease in flying operations.
Maintenance expenses rose 20.9 percent from last year's P1.78 billion as a result of higher engine and component repair costs incurred during the current period.
Growth in the passenger traffic, especially on international flights, increased passenger service expenses by 3.3 percent to P1.30 billion.
Costs incurred related to the financing and delivery of one Boeing 777-300ER aircraft increased general and administrative expenses by P45.8 million, or 7.6 percent from last year's P604.9 million.
Flying operations improved by P212 million, mainly contributed by lower fuel costs and depreciation of flight equipment that was countered by the increase in aircraft lease rentals.
Jet fuel, which remains PAL's biggest operating expense, registered a 3.4 percent decrease over last year's P9.11 billion after average jet fuel price per barrel decreased from $138 in 2011 to $135.60 in 2012.
In April this year, San Miguel Equity Investments Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel corp., acquired a 49 percent equity interest in Trustmark Holdings Corp. Trustmark owns 97.71 percent of PAL Holdings, which in turn beneficially owns 84.67 percent of PAL.
Ramon Ang, PAL president, had said the airline would return to profitability in 2013.
August 25, 2012
By Lailany P. Gomez
Philippine Airlines, the country's first flag carrier, is back in the black after posting increased revenues in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending June.
PAL Holdings said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday that the total comprehensive income in the April-to-June period hit P489.2 million, a turnaround from a loss of P475.1 million year-on-year, due mainly to higher passenger traffic.
Total revenues in the first quarter amounted to P20.78 billion, up 5.8 percent from last year's P19.64 billion.
PAL attributed the increased revenues to higher passenger income, brought about by a 6.9-percent improvement in yields generated from promotional seat offerings and growth in traffic.
Revenues also include lease income from arrangements with an entity under common control.
Total expenses rose 1 percent to P20.29 billion from P20.09 billion on year.
The company attributed the slightly higher expenses to maintenance, passenger service, general and administrative and other expenses offset by the decrease in flying operations.
Maintenance expenses rose 20.9 percent from last year's P1.78 billion as a result of higher engine and component repair costs incurred during the current period.
Growth in the passenger traffic, especially on international flights, increased passenger service expenses by 3.3 percent to P1.30 billion.
Costs incurred related to the financing and delivery of one Boeing 777-300ER aircraft increased general and administrative expenses by P45.8 million, or 7.6 percent from last year's P604.9 million.
Flying operations improved by P212 million, mainly contributed by lower fuel costs and depreciation of flight equipment that was countered by the increase in aircraft lease rentals.
Jet fuel, which remains PAL's biggest operating expense, registered a 3.4 percent decrease over last year's P9.11 billion after average jet fuel price per barrel decreased from $138 in 2011 to $135.60 in 2012.
In April this year, San Miguel Equity Investments Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel corp., acquired a 49 percent equity interest in Trustmark Holdings Corp. Trustmark owns 97.71 percent of PAL Holdings, which in turn beneficially owns 84.67 percent of PAL.
Ramon Ang, PAL president, had said the airline would return to profitability in 2013.
Monday, August 20, 2012
PAL Unveils New Travel Promotion
Manila Bulletin
August 20, 2012
By Emmie V. Abadilla
Every purchase of a ticket to a Philippine Airlines (PAL) international point now automatically entitles the passenger to a free ticket to any PAL domestic destination.
The "Fly Global, Get Local" promo from August 19 to 25, 2012 covers both Fiesta Class (economy) and Mabuhay Class (business) tickets in a straightforward exchange.
Passengers buying international tickets on a particular service class receive free domestic tickets on the same service class.
Likewise, purchasing round-trip international tickets results in free round-trip domestic tickets. One-way international ticket purchases are allowed; the corresponding free domestic ticket is also one-way.
The promo considers only passengers paying full adult fares. Fares under the "deal fare" category do not qualify.
The free domestic ticket is subject to government taxes, fees and surcharges. These range from R387 to R704 on PAL's various domestic sectors.
The free domestic ticket is valid for travel between September 1 and October 26, 2012, and may be claimed at any PAL ticket office in the Philippines after the outbound-Manila international ticket is flown or 3 days after arrival but no later than October 26, 2012.
All PAL-operated international flights are covered by the promo (code-share flights are excluded). The flag carrier flies to 26 destinations in 14 countries and territories. It also flies to 19 points within the Philippines.
August 20, 2012
By Emmie V. Abadilla
Every purchase of a ticket to a Philippine Airlines (PAL) international point now automatically entitles the passenger to a free ticket to any PAL domestic destination.
The "Fly Global, Get Local" promo from August 19 to 25, 2012 covers both Fiesta Class (economy) and Mabuhay Class (business) tickets in a straightforward exchange.
Passengers buying international tickets on a particular service class receive free domestic tickets on the same service class.
Likewise, purchasing round-trip international tickets results in free round-trip domestic tickets. One-way international ticket purchases are allowed; the corresponding free domestic ticket is also one-way.
The promo considers only passengers paying full adult fares. Fares under the "deal fare" category do not qualify.
The free domestic ticket is subject to government taxes, fees and surcharges. These range from R387 to R704 on PAL's various domestic sectors.
The free domestic ticket is valid for travel between September 1 and October 26, 2012, and may be claimed at any PAL ticket office in the Philippines after the outbound-Manila international ticket is flown or 3 days after arrival but no later than October 26, 2012.
All PAL-operated international flights are covered by the promo (code-share flights are excluded). The flag carrier flies to 26 destinations in 14 countries and territories. It also flies to 19 points within the Philippines.
PAL teams score decent finishes
Manila Standard Today
August 20, 2012
Philippine Airlines fielded two teams in the recent 4th Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines triathlon with both finishing in the Top 10 in the corporate category - a remarkable result for first-time competitors in the high-level international event.
PAL Team A bagged sixth place in the 22-team field with a respectable time of 5 hours, 54 minuted and 25 seconds, well behind the 4:20:02 turned in by corporate division champion First Endurance-CPK Tri Team, but still impressive for a rookie squad.
PAL Team B was less than seven minutes behind Team A in eight spot, with a time of 6:01:09, also a highly notable finish for a side with no prior triathlon experience.
Both PAL teams were composed of employees from the flag carrier's flight deck and cabin crews.
Team A was made up of pilots Capt. Katherine Pijuan, who tackled the swim leg; capt. Jose Balinghasay, who handled the bike race segment; and Capt. Mike Ugalino who ran the anchor foot race.
Team B comprised Capt. Raymond Pabalan (swim), flight steward George Tayag (bike) and flight steward Cris Casalla (run).
The prestigious Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 competition, held earlier this month in Cebu, drew over 1,600 participants from 31 countries, easily making it the biggest sporting event in the visayas this year.
The event was a grueling 70.3-mile triathlon race where competitors swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles around a demanding course from the Shangri-La Mactan Resort, traversing the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay, and back to Mactan island.
August 20, 2012
Philippine Airlines fielded two teams in the recent 4th Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines triathlon with both finishing in the Top 10 in the corporate category - a remarkable result for first-time competitors in the high-level international event.
PAL Team A bagged sixth place in the 22-team field with a respectable time of 5 hours, 54 minuted and 25 seconds, well behind the 4:20:02 turned in by corporate division champion First Endurance-CPK Tri Team, but still impressive for a rookie squad.
PAL Team B was less than seven minutes behind Team A in eight spot, with a time of 6:01:09, also a highly notable finish for a side with no prior triathlon experience.
Both PAL teams were composed of employees from the flag carrier's flight deck and cabin crews.
Team A was made up of pilots Capt. Katherine Pijuan, who tackled the swim leg; capt. Jose Balinghasay, who handled the bike race segment; and Capt. Mike Ugalino who ran the anchor foot race.
Team B comprised Capt. Raymond Pabalan (swim), flight steward George Tayag (bike) and flight steward Cris Casalla (run).
The prestigious Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 competition, held earlier this month in Cebu, drew over 1,600 participants from 31 countries, easily making it the biggest sporting event in the visayas this year.
The event was a grueling 70.3-mile triathlon race where competitors swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles around a demanding course from the Shangri-La Mactan Resort, traversing the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay, and back to Mactan island.
Bananas for flood victims
Manila Standard Today
August 20, 2012
Tons of export-quality Tutti-Frutti bananas are await loading into the cargo hold of Philippine Airlines flight from Cagayan de Oro City for distribution to families displaced by monsoon rains in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. The fruits, sent over by Cagayan de Oro Eco Warriors, were airlifted for free through the PAL Humanitarian Cargo Grant. PAL also transported bananas from Fedco, a major producer in Davao City, whose donation was coursed through the Rotary Clubs of Davao and Makati; canned tuna from Gensan and Sarangani; and 40 tons of fortified food for children through the UN World Food Programme in Cotabato City.
August 20, 2012
Tons of export-quality Tutti-Frutti bananas are await loading into the cargo hold of Philippine Airlines flight from Cagayan de Oro City for distribution to families displaced by monsoon rains in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. The fruits, sent over by Cagayan de Oro Eco Warriors, were airlifted for free through the PAL Humanitarian Cargo Grant. PAL also transported bananas from Fedco, a major producer in Davao City, whose donation was coursed through the Rotary Clubs of Davao and Makati; canned tuna from Gensan and Sarangani; and 40 tons of fortified food for children through the UN World Food Programme in Cotabato City.
Rookie PAL squads tally top 10 Ironman finishes
Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 20, 2012
Two greenhorn Philippine Airlines teams finished in the top 10 of the corporate category of the recent 4th Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu.
PAL Team A finished sixth in the 22-team field with a time of five hours, 54 minutes and 25 seconds while PAL Team B wound up eight in 6:01:09.
Corporate division champion First Endurance-CPK Tri Team clocked 4:20:02.
Team A was made up of pilots, Capt. Katherine Pijuan (swim), Capt. Jose Balinghasay (bike) and Capt. Mike Ugalino (run).
Capt. Raymond Pabalan (swim) and flight stewards George Tayag (bike) and Cris Casalla (run) comprised of Team B.
The Ironman event lured over 1,600 entries from 31 countries. It consisted of 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of cycling and 13.1 miles of running starting from Shangri-La Mactan Resort and passing through the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay.
A total of 22 corporate teams vied in the competition in which PAL was the official carrier.
August 20, 2012
Two greenhorn Philippine Airlines teams finished in the top 10 of the corporate category of the recent 4th Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu.
PAL Team A finished sixth in the 22-team field with a time of five hours, 54 minutes and 25 seconds while PAL Team B wound up eight in 6:01:09.
Corporate division champion First Endurance-CPK Tri Team clocked 4:20:02.
Team A was made up of pilots, Capt. Katherine Pijuan (swim), Capt. Jose Balinghasay (bike) and Capt. Mike Ugalino (run).
Capt. Raymond Pabalan (swim) and flight stewards George Tayag (bike) and Cris Casalla (run) comprised of Team B.
The Ironman event lured over 1,600 entries from 31 countries. It consisted of 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of cycling and 13.1 miles of running starting from Shangri-La Mactan Resort and passing through the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu and Talisay.
A total of 22 corporate teams vied in the competition in which PAL was the official carrier.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
San Miguel, Petron, PAL donate to flood victims
Manila Standard Today
August 18, 2012
Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation has released P11.8 million worth of food products and bottled drinking water for relief efforts for victims of floods throughout Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, brought on by a low pressure area last week.
SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said that the company's efforts to distribute goods are continuing and that it was committed to helping the victims of the floods that virtually paralyzed the city.
The products were distributed in critical areas in Quezon City, Manila, Mandaluyong, Navotas, Valenzuela, Malabon, Marikina, San Juan, Taguig, Pateros, and the provices of Bulacan, Rizal, Pampanga, Bataan, and Laguna.
More than 63,642 families or around 318,210 individuals in 22 locations are estimated to have benefitted from the reflief goods, which consisted of canned food, cooked eggs, and bottled water.
On top of these, employees across the San Miguel group also donated rice, noodles, and water. Employee volunteers from san Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp., Petron Corp., and San Miguel Brewery Inc.'s Polo Brewery also took part in relief efforts, putting up soup kitchens and participating in rescue evacuation efforts.
For its own initiatives, Petron Corp., through the Petron Foundation, distributed relief goods to over 8,900 families or 42,500 individuals in 35 different locations in Bulacan, Bataan, Marikina, Navotas, Malabon, Quezon City, Manila, and Muntinlupa.
It identified locations based on the recommendations of the corporate Network for Disaster Response and its own sales, operations, corporate affairs, and Petron Foundation teams. Goods were distributed individually to affected families.
It has also organized soup kitchens that served around 7,200 indivuduals. It will distribute an additional 2,000 relief packs and its continuing efforts to set up soup kitchens will serve another 10,000 people.
Petron also activated around 350 gas stations nationwide to serve as drop-off points for relief goods such as used clothes, blankets, canned goods, and drinking water.
For its part, Philippine Airlines flew about 30 metric tons of ready-to-eat therapeutic food specially formulated for malnourished children, free of charge, through the PAL Humanitarian Cargo Grant.
The goods were donated by the United Nations World Food Program, for distribution by the DSWD. They also carried, at no cost, bananas donated by the Cagayan de Oro Eco Warriors and Fedco, a major fruit producer in Davao. The flag carrier, through its PAL Foundation, also donated surplus blankets.
August 18, 2012
Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation has released P11.8 million worth of food products and bottled drinking water for relief efforts for victims of floods throughout Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, brought on by a low pressure area last week.
SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said that the company's efforts to distribute goods are continuing and that it was committed to helping the victims of the floods that virtually paralyzed the city.
The products were distributed in critical areas in Quezon City, Manila, Mandaluyong, Navotas, Valenzuela, Malabon, Marikina, San Juan, Taguig, Pateros, and the provices of Bulacan, Rizal, Pampanga, Bataan, and Laguna.
More than 63,642 families or around 318,210 individuals in 22 locations are estimated to have benefitted from the reflief goods, which consisted of canned food, cooked eggs, and bottled water.
On top of these, employees across the San Miguel group also donated rice, noodles, and water. Employee volunteers from san Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp., Petron Corp., and San Miguel Brewery Inc.'s Polo Brewery also took part in relief efforts, putting up soup kitchens and participating in rescue evacuation efforts.
For its own initiatives, Petron Corp., through the Petron Foundation, distributed relief goods to over 8,900 families or 42,500 individuals in 35 different locations in Bulacan, Bataan, Marikina, Navotas, Malabon, Quezon City, Manila, and Muntinlupa.
It identified locations based on the recommendations of the corporate Network for Disaster Response and its own sales, operations, corporate affairs, and Petron Foundation teams. Goods were distributed individually to affected families.
It has also organized soup kitchens that served around 7,200 indivuduals. It will distribute an additional 2,000 relief packs and its continuing efforts to set up soup kitchens will serve another 10,000 people.
Petron also activated around 350 gas stations nationwide to serve as drop-off points for relief goods such as used clothes, blankets, canned goods, and drinking water.
For its part, Philippine Airlines flew about 30 metric tons of ready-to-eat therapeutic food specially formulated for malnourished children, free of charge, through the PAL Humanitarian Cargo Grant.
The goods were donated by the United Nations World Food Program, for distribution by the DSWD. They also carried, at no cost, bananas donated by the Cagayan de Oro Eco Warriors and Fedco, a major fruit producer in Davao. The flag carrier, through its PAL Foundation, also donated surplus blankets.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
PAL recruiting more cabin crew
PAL recruiting more cabin crew
Manila Bulletin
August 8, 2012
The Philippine Airlines (PAL) is recruiting more cabin crew nationwide starting August 11, 2012.
Applicants from Metro Manila as well as Northern and Southern Luzon who meet minimum qualifications of PAL's cabin crew are invited to participate in the recruitment tour.
Aspiring cabin crews from from Visayas and Mindanao are advised to watch out for announcements when the PAL recruitment tour goes to their regions in the coming months.
Applicants should bring their resumé, along with close-up and full-body photos, and apply in person at the event.
The required business attire for women is corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt and high-heeled closed shoes. Hair must be tied back in a bun and they should be in full make-up.
For men, long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes.
The recruitment fair is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila.
(EHL)
Manila Bulletin
August 8, 2012
The Philippine Airlines (PAL) is recruiting more cabin crew nationwide starting August 11, 2012.
Applicants from Metro Manila as well as Northern and Southern Luzon who meet minimum qualifications of PAL's cabin crew are invited to participate in the recruitment tour.
Aspiring cabin crews from from Visayas and Mindanao are advised to watch out for announcements when the PAL recruitment tour goes to their regions in the coming months.
Applicants should bring their resumé, along with close-up and full-body photos, and apply in person at the event.
The required business attire for women is corporate blazer, inner blouse and knee-length skirt and high-heeled closed shoes. Hair must be tied back in a bun and they should be in full make-up.
For men, long-sleeved polo with necktie, black slacks and leather shoes.
The recruitment fair is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila.
(EHL)
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
PAL, tourism stunted by 'Category 2' status
PAL, tourism stunted by 'Category 2' status
The Philippine Star
July 31, 2012
By Federico D. Pascual Jr.
CATEGORY 2: It is ironic that Philippine Airlines already has three gleaming Boeing 777-300ER and awaiting delivery of three more of this aircraft of choice for long-haul flights, yet is barred from using them in the United States and Europe.
Reason: the Philippines is still languishing in the Category 2 cellar where the US Federal Aviation Administration consigned it five years ago.
As a consequence, the Philippine flag carrier is prevented from expanding its US network or even upgrading its Boeing 747-400 and Airbus 343 aircraft servicing the US West Coast or flying on to New York in the eastern seaboard.
Category 2 is actually not a rating on PAL but on the government’s oversight regulation of the local airline industry. The urgency of the government’s lifting itself out of FAA restrictions cannot be overstated.
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INNOVATIONS: Last week, PAL officials led by president/COO Ramon S. Ang and director Michael G. Tan (representing his father, chairman Dr. Lucio C. Tan), announced plans resulting from the synergy between PAL and San Miguel Corp. that has taken management control of the airline.
Opinion ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Unveiling PAL’s refleeting and route expansion plans at the Shangri-la Makati, Ang said: “Our growth strategy for Philippine Airlines is simple: modernization of its fleet, expansion of its network, and improvements in passenger service.”
The innovations include new inflight menu prepared by top-rated guest chefs, Book & Buy ticketing kiosks in selected Petron gas stations, Apple iPads for onboard entertainment in trans-Pacific flights, and PAL’s third Boeing 777-300ER.
* * *
MORE B777s: The first three B777s of PAL were delivered in November 2009, January 2012 and June 2012. The 370-seater Boeing jets now fly to Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Vancouver.
The airline will soon take delivery of three more Boeing 777-300ERs. Per expansion plans, PAL wants to fly to Toronto, Paris, London and New York.
But a way must be found first to remove restrictions in the US and also in Europe where all Philippine airlines have been blacklisted since 2010.
Each B777 has two of the most powerful commercial jet engines — the GE90-115BL which has cleaner emissions to protect the environment and give passengers a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Each B777 will save PAL as much as $20 million annually in fuel cost. It has unmatched levels of payload (28 tons of cargo) and range (7,825 nautical miles), flying more passengers nonstop over longer distances.
* * *
CAAP DOWNGRADE: The FAA downgraded CAAP to Category 2 after finding the agency not technically equipped to supervise Philippine airline operations.
The European Union cited the same reasons when it subsequently banned all Philippine carriers, not just PAL, from flying anywhere in Europe.
Under Category 2, PAL has been limited to a maximum 33 flights each week to the US. Other Philippine airlines are also banned from US airspace.
For its flights to Los Angeles (two flights every Wednesday and Sunday and one daily the rest of the week) PAL uses its older Boeing 747s and Airbus 343s. It uses B747s for its single daily flights to San Francisco.
* * *
US EDGE: All because of Category 2, PAL is not allowed to even replace its equipment with its new B777s even if this modern jet gives safer service to passengers bound for the US.
In contrast, American carriers continue to enjoy unlimited rights to fly to and through the Philippines under an “open skies” arrangement.
Hawaiian Air, for example, has captured the Manila-Honolulu leg and gobbled up the Hawaii stop of PAL. Now PAL has been relegated to Guam for its stopover between Manila and the West Coast.
* * *
ICAO AUDIT: In November 2009, CAAP also failed an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) audit. Consequences:
• Per ICAO, only PAL was properly certified by CAAP, while 47 other Philippine carriers were not.
• ICAO issued a global “significant safety concern (SSC)” alert for the Philippines.
• Asia/Pacific countries imposed tighter surveillance, and demanded assurances from CAAP that Philippine airlines are safe.
* * *
INJURY TO PAL: As if the FAA Category 2 was not bad enough, in April 2010 the European Union banned airlines of the Philippines from their airspace. In domino-like fashion:
• European travel agents warn Philippine-bound passengers that PAL is blacklisted and that their travel insurance may not cover flights on Philippine airlines.
• With PAL’s Europe sales pipeline cut off, some EU airlines suspended interline agreements, such as those under the IATA, with PAL.
• PAL is losing its traditional 120,000 passengers per year with no indication that it will regain them in the short term.
* * *
EUROPEAN BAN: Because of the FAA’s Category 2 classification and the European Union’s blacklist, PAL suffers in other ways:
• Expected surge in insurance premiums.
• Costlier aircraft leases, tougher financing terms.
• Unfair portrayal as an unsafe, third-rate airline.
• Lost goodwill that could be a long-term stain on the flag carrier’s good name.
There is also the greater loss to the country: Missing out on the lucrative European tourist market, reduced business for hotels, tour operators, restaurants and retail establishments, and potential negative impact on trade and commerce.
* * *
READY FOR AUDIT?: To help CAAP, we heard that PAL has hired and is paying millions of dollars for the services of US-based Tim Neel and Associates to help government craft a roadmap out of Category 2.
Tim Neel is also contracted to provide much-needed software and train CAAP personnel on key operational issues regularly audited by FAA and ICAO.
After three directors general (Ruben Ciron, Alfonso Cusi and Ramon Gutierrez), CAAP has inched closer to regaining Category 1 status.
However, it remains unclear when the full audit of the agency by the FAA will happen, which is the condition sine qua non before the Philippines could get out of Category 2
It now rests on the shoulders of Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss III (ret.), the new appointee of President Noynoy Aquino, to ensure that CAAP is ready for the dreaded audit.
The Philippine Star
July 31, 2012
By Federico D. Pascual Jr.
CATEGORY 2: It is ironic that Philippine Airlines already has three gleaming Boeing 777-300ER and awaiting delivery of three more of this aircraft of choice for long-haul flights, yet is barred from using them in the United States and Europe.
Reason: the Philippines is still languishing in the Category 2 cellar where the US Federal Aviation Administration consigned it five years ago.
As a consequence, the Philippine flag carrier is prevented from expanding its US network or even upgrading its Boeing 747-400 and Airbus 343 aircraft servicing the US West Coast or flying on to New York in the eastern seaboard.
Category 2 is actually not a rating on PAL but on the government’s oversight regulation of the local airline industry. The urgency of the government’s lifting itself out of FAA restrictions cannot be overstated.
* * *
INNOVATIONS: Last week, PAL officials led by president/COO Ramon S. Ang and director Michael G. Tan (representing his father, chairman Dr. Lucio C. Tan), announced plans resulting from the synergy between PAL and San Miguel Corp. that has taken management control of the airline.
Opinion ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Unveiling PAL’s refleeting and route expansion plans at the Shangri-la Makati, Ang said: “Our growth strategy for Philippine Airlines is simple: modernization of its fleet, expansion of its network, and improvements in passenger service.”
The innovations include new inflight menu prepared by top-rated guest chefs, Book & Buy ticketing kiosks in selected Petron gas stations, Apple iPads for onboard entertainment in trans-Pacific flights, and PAL’s third Boeing 777-300ER.
* * *
MORE B777s: The first three B777s of PAL were delivered in November 2009, January 2012 and June 2012. The 370-seater Boeing jets now fly to Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Vancouver.
The airline will soon take delivery of three more Boeing 777-300ERs. Per expansion plans, PAL wants to fly to Toronto, Paris, London and New York.
But a way must be found first to remove restrictions in the US and also in Europe where all Philippine airlines have been blacklisted since 2010.
Each B777 has two of the most powerful commercial jet engines — the GE90-115BL which has cleaner emissions to protect the environment and give passengers a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Each B777 will save PAL as much as $20 million annually in fuel cost. It has unmatched levels of payload (28 tons of cargo) and range (7,825 nautical miles), flying more passengers nonstop over longer distances.
* * *
CAAP DOWNGRADE: The FAA downgraded CAAP to Category 2 after finding the agency not technically equipped to supervise Philippine airline operations.
The European Union cited the same reasons when it subsequently banned all Philippine carriers, not just PAL, from flying anywhere in Europe.
Under Category 2, PAL has been limited to a maximum 33 flights each week to the US. Other Philippine airlines are also banned from US airspace.
For its flights to Los Angeles (two flights every Wednesday and Sunday and one daily the rest of the week) PAL uses its older Boeing 747s and Airbus 343s. It uses B747s for its single daily flights to San Francisco.
* * *
US EDGE: All because of Category 2, PAL is not allowed to even replace its equipment with its new B777s even if this modern jet gives safer service to passengers bound for the US.
In contrast, American carriers continue to enjoy unlimited rights to fly to and through the Philippines under an “open skies” arrangement.
Hawaiian Air, for example, has captured the Manila-Honolulu leg and gobbled up the Hawaii stop of PAL. Now PAL has been relegated to Guam for its stopover between Manila and the West Coast.
* * *
ICAO AUDIT: In November 2009, CAAP also failed an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) audit. Consequences:
• Per ICAO, only PAL was properly certified by CAAP, while 47 other Philippine carriers were not.
• ICAO issued a global “significant safety concern (SSC)” alert for the Philippines.
• Asia/Pacific countries imposed tighter surveillance, and demanded assurances from CAAP that Philippine airlines are safe.
* * *
INJURY TO PAL: As if the FAA Category 2 was not bad enough, in April 2010 the European Union banned airlines of the Philippines from their airspace. In domino-like fashion:
• European travel agents warn Philippine-bound passengers that PAL is blacklisted and that their travel insurance may not cover flights on Philippine airlines.
• With PAL’s Europe sales pipeline cut off, some EU airlines suspended interline agreements, such as those under the IATA, with PAL.
• PAL is losing its traditional 120,000 passengers per year with no indication that it will regain them in the short term.
* * *
EUROPEAN BAN: Because of the FAA’s Category 2 classification and the European Union’s blacklist, PAL suffers in other ways:
• Expected surge in insurance premiums.
• Costlier aircraft leases, tougher financing terms.
• Unfair portrayal as an unsafe, third-rate airline.
• Lost goodwill that could be a long-term stain on the flag carrier’s good name.
There is also the greater loss to the country: Missing out on the lucrative European tourist market, reduced business for hotels, tour operators, restaurants and retail establishments, and potential negative impact on trade and commerce.
* * *
READY FOR AUDIT?: To help CAAP, we heard that PAL has hired and is paying millions of dollars for the services of US-based Tim Neel and Associates to help government craft a roadmap out of Category 2.
Tim Neel is also contracted to provide much-needed software and train CAAP personnel on key operational issues regularly audited by FAA and ICAO.
After three directors general (Ruben Ciron, Alfonso Cusi and Ramon Gutierrez), CAAP has inched closer to regaining Category 1 status.
However, it remains unclear when the full audit of the agency by the FAA will happen, which is the condition sine qua non before the Philippines could get out of Category 2
It now rests on the shoulders of Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss III (ret.), the new appointee of President Noynoy Aquino, to ensure that CAAP is ready for the dreaded audit.
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