PAL to open direct flights to Sapporo in September

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) introduced Sapporo as its sixth direct-flight destination to Japan.

Starting Sept. 6, PAL’s 168-seater Airbus A321neo will be flying to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport three times a week. This is also the second-long range flight after the company launched the Manila to Brisbane route.

In a press conference on Thursday, PAL COO and President Jaime J. Bautista said the company decided to add a six-hour direct flight from Manila to Sapporo due to rising demand.

“[About] 500,000 (PAL) passengers went to Japan last year [and] Sapporo will contribute more,” he added.

Prior to this, passenger would have to fly from Taipei to reach Osaka or fly from Tokyo Haneda airport.

“We’ll start first with Manila to Sapporo. As we grow the market, we can consider flying from other major cities [like Cebu and Davao].” — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato