By Lorenz S. Marasigan and Recto Mercene
LEGACY carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will take delivery of two new Boeing 777-300ERs in December.
PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said these aircraft will be immediately deployed on the carrier’s London and US flights.
“The Boeing aircraft will serve the Manila-London route, a move designed to primarily enhance the total passenger-travel experience and in-flight-service delivery. While we already have eight triple 7s serving the West Coast, the incoming units will also augment other trans-Pacific flights,” he said.
Boeing 777 is the airline’s flagship aircraft for long-haul operations.
“With its range and operational capability, the flag carrier will be at par with other full-service carriers along the route.
“We will also increase capacity, as the aircraft will have a 370-seating capacity on a two-class configuration as compared to the 254-seating capacity of the A340,” Bautista said.
The acquisition of the carrier’s 9th and 10th Boeing 777s is based on a long-term lease agreement with Intrepid Aviation.
PAL aims to be the country’s full-service, five-star airline in five years. To do so, the company is implementing a fleet-modernization initiative.
It is acquiring six brand-new Airbus A3350s and eight Airbus A330s.