Flag carrier Philippine Airlines will launch its inaugural Manila to Saipan flight on June 15 to serve the needs of Filipinos working in Mariana Islands.
Saipan is the latest addition to PAL’s route network, which recently included Doha, Jeddah and Kuwait this year, as well as Port Moresby, Cairns, Aukland, Jinjiang and New York last year.
PAL has also introduced the newest link to the US mainland via its Cebu – Los Angeles service which commenced last March 15, coinciding with the airlines’ 75th year.
“The [Saipan] service is much awaited by our countrymen working in the island territory in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, “ said PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista in a press conference at the Century Park Hotel.
He added “With Filipinos comprising close to 36 percent or 22,000 of the population, the planned flights will provide them a convenient link to their home country. When they take a PAL flight, they will experience the brand of experience that heartfelt service marked by Filipino warmth, charm and hospitality.”
The forthcoming service, according to Bautista, will serve as a most convenient route from Saipan to Manila and 29 other domestic and 43 international destinations where the flag carrier flies to.
Saipan, with more than 58,000 population, is known for its resorts, beaches and dive spots, and is popular among tourists who are into water sports and nature adventure.
“Travelers from Manila can fly Saipan and enjoy its beaches for some sun and sea as well as various forms of nature adventure. On the other hand, Saipan dwellers may now experience the PAL brand of service and enjoy the Capital City [Manila] for a few days before flying to other parts of the archipelago or to other points within PAL’s wide international network,” Bautista said.
As far as expanding its presence in Europe is concerned, PAL is studying four areas: Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Rome (Italy) and Paris (France).
PAL aimed to address the clamor for new routes in order to best serve the needs of the market. As it taps new markets and builds on existing ones, the airline aims to ensure connectivity across the route network of PAL by providing the required flight frequencies and schedules.
With a traveling time of four hours and 15 minutes, the twice weekly Manila to Saipan service will utilize the bi-class Airbus A320 seater, with 12 business class and 144 economy seats.
PR 1571 departs Manila every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:20 p.m. and arrives in Saipan at 3:35 a.m. local time. PR 1572 departs Saipan every Monday and Thursday at 4:35 a.m. and arrives in Manila at 6:45 a.m.