With the renewal of its franchise, Lucio Tan-led Air Philippines Corp. has vowed to continue providing quality services for its customers amid recovering travel demand following the easing of mobility restrictions.
“We assure the public that Air Philippines will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and service as we transport people and cargo across our extensive route network,” the airline said in a statement.
Air Philippines—which goes under the trade name PAL Express—said that the granting of the franchise was “a welcome affirmation of government’s confidence in our airline’s capability to address the air transport needs of the flying public.”
“We are grateful for their trust, and we pledge to continue working together with our stakeholder partners to help shape the growth of Philippine aviation,” it added.
The bill renewing its 25-year franchise lapsed into law on April 11. This came at a time when airports have been seeing return of passenger traffic as the government has relaxed COVID-19 protocols.
According to Republic Act No. 11682, PAL Express was allowed “to establish, operate and maintain transport services for the carriage of passengers, mail, goods and property by air, both domestic and international” for another 25 years.