PAL eyes revival of flights to India

National carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is seeking flight entitlements to India.

“PAL has filed before CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board) a petition for allocation of entitlements for four weekly flights to New Delhi and three weekly flights to Bombay,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in a text message.

The petition, filed last month, was made in accordance with existing air services agreement between the Philippines and India.

Villaluna said CAB has yet to act on the petition.

PAL previously operated non-stop flights to Delhi and one-stop services via Bangkok, but suspended these flights in 2011 and 2013, respectively, as the Manila to Delhi market was still considered too small at that time.

Earlier, PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said the carrier plans to use the Airbus A321neos to operate flights to new destinations including New Delhi.

PAL is taking delivery of six Airbus A321neos this year.

The carrier took delivery of the first A321neo last week.

Apart from the A321neos, PAL is also taking delivery of four Airbus A350-900s for long-haul flights and five Bombardier Q400s this year.

PAL is modernizing its fleet and expanding operations as part of the initiatives to achieve a five-star rating by 2020.

Earlier this year, PAL secured a four-star rating from air transport rating organization Skytrax.