PAL eyes codeshare deals with US carriers
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) is looking to forge codeshare agreements with American carriers within the year to expand its reach in more cities in the United States.
“We’re working with a possible codeshare with some American carriers,” PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said, without mentioning names.
Currently, the Lucio C. Tan-led carrier has existing codeshare agreements with some of the world’s biggest airlines: Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air, West Jet, Malaysia Airlines, Turkish Airlines, according to its Web site.
It also has agreements with All Nippon Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Vietnam Airlines, and Westjet Airline, among others.
Sought for more comment, Philippine Airlines Spokesperson Maria Cielo C. Villaluna said PAL is targeting to close the deal this year.
“Can’t say the names yet. The agreements are in the works. Once finalized, this will provide connectivity to other US cities and this will be good news to PAL passengers flying between Manila and US,” Ms. Villaluna said via text.
“Actually at present, PAL has a codeshare with Hawaiian Airlines and that arrangement provides connectivity to several Hawaiian islands. PAL is exploring possibilities with several US carriers and clinching a code share agreement within the year with key players is a target,” she added.
PAL’s code share agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, she said, is now on its second year.
PAL’s Mr. Bautista said last week that the airline is aiming to become a four- star airline this year, bringing it closer to its target to join the ranks of five- star carriers by 2020. Shares in PAL were down 1.13% to close at P5.24 on Monday.