PAL to increase US flight frequencies
tourists or the mainstream market to tap.
“What we want to achieve is also to carry not only the Filipinos but also the mainstream market, which most of the time take other airplanes, but with the added capacity we should be able to accommodate them,” he said.
“I am sure our passengers will love this airplane because these aircraft have been proven to be the best aircraft for our transpacific operations.”
He expressed strong optimism that these two aircraft will contribute to the profitability of the airline, which is celebrating this year its 75th anniversary. PAL has also started a new brand equity as “The Heart of the Filipinos”.
“These two aircraft will contribute to the successful implementation of our new brand equity because we will be able to provide better service to our passengers,” he added.
The new triple 777 Boeing will have the state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system better than the existing six aircraft.
Aside from Boeing, PAL has also three A321 and four A350 due for delivery in 2017 and 2018, respectively. These Airbus aircraft are part of the existing orders that the Tan Group had decided to defer.
Bautista is also looking at reviewing its fleet by 2018 and possible new destinations in China, such as in Chengdu, China.
At present, PAL operates chartered flights from Shanghai to Kalibo, and Cebu. It has also been serving flights from Shanghai to Kalibo and Cebu as well as Korea-Kalibo and KoreaManila.
Under lease Boeing and Intrepid Aviation on Friday (Oct. 28) marked the delivery of Intrepid's first directly ordered Boeing airplane, a 777-300ER that will be leased and operated by Philippine Airlines.
PAL is leasing the new aircraft for eight years.
Doug Winter, Intrepid President and Chief Commercial Officer, cited PAL as a valued customer.
"We are particularly delighted to bring this 777-400ER to flag carrier of the Philippines during their 75th anniversary year – the oldest continuously operating airline in Asia," said Winter at the ceremonial certificate signing to celebrate the delivery of PAL's 7th 777 aircraft at the Boeing Everett Delivery Center, Everett Washington, north of Seattle.
"The (Boeing) 777 has become our standard for passenger comfort, deployed in our long-haul routes," said PAL President and CEO Jaime J. Bautista.
"It will be the pivotal equipment that will propel us to our corporate vision of becoming a five-star airline. With the luxurious cabin amenities installed on the 777, we are able to go beyond passenger expectation," he said.
The 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER is equipped with the world's most powerful GE90-115B commercial jet engine, and can seat up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration with a maximum range of 7,825 nautical miles (14,490 kilometers).
Intrepid Aviation is a privately-held commercial aircraft lessor, which owns commercial aircraft leased to airline operators worldwide. Intrepid Aviation focuses primarily on twin-engine wide-body equipment, such as Boeing 777 and 787.