Philippines Airlines said it resumed daily service between Manila and Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, after a three-year absence, to serve close to 800,000 overseas Filipino workers.
“The resumption of PAL flights between Manila and Kuala Lumpur will help foster economic and cultural ties between the Philippines and Malaysia. Most importantly, it addresses the clamor for a direct service between the two capital cities,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista, said.
“Through PAL flights and code-share partners, we can carry passenger traffic from Kuala Lumpur to China, Japan, South Pacific and North America and thus enhance our Asean network,” he said.
The decision to return to Kuala Lumpur came after PAL and Malaysia Airlines expanded their code-share arrangement.
The enhancements include code-sharing on 12 domestic Malaysian destinations and nine domestic Philippine destinations. PAL is deploying the Airbus A321 on the route.
PAL is taking delivery of seven brand new aircraft worth over $550 million within the second half of 2017 as a part of its fleet expansion and modernization program.
The airline led by tycoon Lucio Tan expects delivery of two Boeing 777-300 ER in December and five next-generation Bombardier Q400 in July to November.
The twin-engine A350-900 will become PAL’s new flagship aircraft.
PAL ordered six A350s, with an option for six more. The aircraft is capable of flying non-stop from Manila to New York.
The additional B777-300 ERs will be deployed to the London and North American routes.
PAL’s parent firm PAL Holdings Inc. earlier posted a total net loss of P904.7 million in the first quarter, a downturn from P2.71-billion income last year.
