PAL adds 2 Boeing planes for long-haul flights

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is scaling up its long-haul business with the addition of two Boeing 777 300ER planes, a statement on Friday showed.

The carrier, which already has six B777 300ERs in service, said the new planes were leased through an agreement with Intrepid Aviation. The move also bolstered PAL’s fleet to 78 planes.

“We celebrate our growing partnership with both Boeing and Intrepid Aviation,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista said in the statement.

“These additional 777-300ERs will help us continue to expand our long-haul markets efficiently and economically, while enabling us to provide passengers our trademark Filipino service in the modern, state-of-the-art 777,” he added.

The 777-300ER is the most fuel- and cost-efficient airplane in its class today with 99.5-percent reliability and is considered one of the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world, PAL noted.

The announcement may be the first in a series of acquisitions of more long-haul jets, according to a report by aviation consultancy firm CAPA-Center for Aviation last week.

It noted that PAL was also looking to acquire another four to six wide body planes, likely Airbus’ next generation A350s. The planes, it said, could be deployed to support the expansion of PAL’s operations in North America and Europe.

In the same PAL statement, Intrepid Aviation and aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. welcomed the lease of both planes by PAL.

“We are very pleased to expand our relationship with Philippine Airlines and to work with Boeing to provide PAL with such an outstanding airplane,” said Intrepid Aviation president and chief executive Franklin Pray. “The economics and capabilities of the 777-300ER continue to make it very attractive for our customers who are looking for growth potential.”

“Boeing has a long relationship with PAL and we are delighted to partner with Intrepid Aviation to provide additional 777-300ERs for PAL’s growing fleet,” said Boeing senior vice president John Wojick. “PAL’s continued commitment to the 777-300ER is a testament to the airplane’s proven fuel efficiency, performance and award-winning passenger interior.”