Airlines to explore mutual cooperation

MANILA -- Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are set to explore a mutual cooperation.

Celebrating their partnership, PAL officials went to ANA’s headquarters in Tokyo on Friday. Both carriers pledged their commitment to work together and lift each other up.

Michael Tan, PAL Holdings’ director and treasurer, represented his father, Lucio, during Friday’s meeting.

In his speech, Tan emphasized that the two carriers will work together and mutually cooperate to build on each other’s legacies.

“We both share a commitment and passion that is deep and traditional, but also young and modern, and very much focused on a future of innovation and opportunities,” he said.

Tan added that PAL looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship that will bring more progress to Japan and the Philippines.

Both sides will explore areas of mutual cooperation, the details of which will be disclosed at the right time.

“Currently, ANA provides ground handling for PAL flights operating from Haneda. Ground handling services for PAL flights out of Narita, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo are being served by another service-provider. ANA flights operating out of Manila are being handled on-ground by Macroasia,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told the Philippine News Agency.

This was the first time both parties met after signing an agreement last January 29.

Under this agreement, ANA acquired 9.5 percent of PAL Holdings, Inc. and will put in an investment of USD95 million.

ANA, Japan’s largest airline, reportedly acquired the shares from Trustmark Holdings Corporation owned by Lucio Tan. (PNA)