DAVAO CITY – Philippine Airlines (PAL) is capping the year with the launch of several new domestic and international routes from airports outside its main hub in Metro Manila.
The flag-carrier will launch in December flights from Cebu to Siargao, Camiguin, Ozamiz and Legazpi, as well as to Bangkok, while Cebu-Beijing flights will start this month.
This week, PAL started operating direct flights between Davao City to Tagbilaran, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City.
“Passengers (from Davao) no longer have to pass through Cebu anymore, no transit or transfer via Manila to get to these areas,” said Ronald Mangahas, PAL Express assistant vice president for airport services outstation, during Thursday’s launching ceremony.
Mr. Mangahas said these new routes will also be particularly convenient for persons with disabilities as there would be no more transfers.
Mr. Mangahas said the flight network expansion has been made possible by the company’s growing fleet.
“Additional airplanes means we can do more flights to more destinations,” he said.
PAL is currently awaiting the arrival of several new aircraft, including 12 Bombardier Q400 with a total seating capacity of 86, including six premium seats. PAL’s initial Bombardier Q400 aircraft was turned over to the company in July this year, with five more expected to be delivered in 2018 and two more in early 2019.
PAL is also set to beef up its operations with the delivery of two 280-seater B347, eight 200-seater A321 Neo, and four 280-seater A350 aircraft.
Harry D. Inoferio, PAL senior assistant vice president for Visayas-Mindanao sales, said they are continuously studying the viability of other flights from the regional airports, both domestic and international.
“We are slowly but surely studying the possibility of launching new flights, to make sure it becomes sustainable,” Mr. Inoferio said during the event.
Mr. Inoferio said they have also started offering premium seats in the new flights, which are more expensive but will provide more leg room and comfort to passengers.
PAL will fly the Davao-Tagbilaran route four times a week, the Davao-Cagayan de Oro route daily, and the Davao-Zamboanga route three times a week. – Carmencita A. Carillo
