MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Airlines announced on Monday (July 12) that passengers with negative RT-PCR tests from its centers or accredited partners will be exempted from the mandatory 10-day quarantine in Hawaii starting July 30.
PAL said this was after it became the first Asian carrier to be recognized as a “Trusted Testing and Travel Partner” by the State of Hawaii.
PAL flies once weekly nonstop from Manila to Honolulu every Friday, with code share service beyond Honolulu to Maui, Hilo, Kona and Lihue in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines.
Dexter C. Lee, PAL senior vice president and chief strategy and planning officer, said the move boosts convenience for passengers.
“We welcome the recognition of the Hawaiian authorities of Philippine Airlines as a Trusted Testing Partner,” he said in a statement.
“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Honolulu service July 31st—the first transpacific flight by any Asian airline—we are committed to be a faithful partner in boosting tourism and travel between the Philippines and Hawaii,” he added.
PAL has partnered with Detoxicare Diagnostics Molecular Laboratory for its COVID-19 testing centers.
These are located at the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura, Manila and at PAL Gate 3, Andrews Avenue, Pasay City. PAL said the results are released within 24 hours.
Other testing partners that were accredited for quarantine-free travel to Hawaiii include, Safeguard DNA Diagnostic Inc., Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, Bacolod City and St. Elizabeth Hospital Inc., General Santos City.
PAL said passengers not tested at accredited labs would need to undergo mandatory quarantine in Hawaii.