PAL eyes possible expansion of new routes in US network

MANILA — Philippine Airlines (PAL) continues to review and consider possible expansion of new routes in its US network and also continues its services to London, contrary to a local media report.

IN a statement, the Philippine flag carrier said it still operates 57 weekly long-haul frequencies to North America, specifically to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Vancouver, Honolulu and Toronto, and five weekly flights between Manila and London Heathrow.

PAL is the only airline flying nonstop between the Philippines and the US mainland, Hawaii, Canada and London. PAL uses the new Airbus A350-900 – on its route between London and Manila – which is a better-sized aircraft offering an enhanced premium product. Improved passenger loads on the route can be attributed to the premium product supported by PAL’s more aggressive marketing campaign in the U.K. The flag carrier’s non-stop US-Manila flights remain highly popular for business and leisure travelers and Filipino balikbayans.

While there is market clamor for the opening of new routes to the US and Europe and these are under review, PAL remains focused on implementing a well-calibrated program centered on network expansion, fleet modernization and service innovation, the statement said.