Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has passed the United States-Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA) inspection in its passenger and baggage handling, as well as catering capabilities.
“Our airline remains compliant with all requirements for our flights between Manila and the United States, as with other routes. The men and women of our flag carrier shall continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and security to protect the flying public,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Ng in a statement.
PAL stated it will continue cooperating with the Office for Transportation Security, the Manila International Airport Authority, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to enhance the security and safety posture of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippines’ premier gateway.
“We continue to liaise with local and foreign regulators to invariably manage and prepare for risks arising from identified vulnerabilities and evolving and emerging threats,” Ng said.
The US-TSA made the inspection from August 11 to 12 this year.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the airline has consistently hurdled these quality control activities over past years.
PAL operates regular flights from Manila to the U.S. destinations of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, New York and Guam.
Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier announced that the NAIA also got a satisfactory approval from the US-TSA for its improved security measures.
He made the announcement following a meeting with US Embassy officials led by Ambassador Mary Kay Loss Carlson who informed him of the satisfactory findings of the US-TSA on its recent security assessment of the Manila airport, as well as of local airlines flying to the US.
During the meeting, the US officials also offered Bautista vital assistance in different Philippine transport infrastructure projects.
Ambassador Carlson also discussed possible technical assistance for the successful development of the Mindanao Rail Project.
The assistance – to be coursed through the US Trade and Development Agency and the US Agency for International Development – would involve early stage project preparation and developing a Public-Private Partnership structure to facilitate increased private sector investment and participation.