PAL to mount additional domestic flights starting October

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines on Thursday announced additional flights in its busiest routes starting October, in anticipation of the surge in travel demand.

In an advisory, PAL said it will increase its flights to operate 1,154 per week between Manila Airport and other destinations in the country, reflecting a 7% increase in flight frequency and a 7% jump in its weekly seat capacity out of Manila to over 14,000 seats.

It will operate flights between Manila and Butuan to 21 weekly from 14 previously, and between Manila and Cagayan de Oro to 42 flights weekly from 35.

It will also increase flights to Cotabato to 14 flights weekly from 11, Legazpi (Daraga) to 28 flights weekly from 21, Dumaguete to 18 flights weekly from 14, and Tacloban to 25 flights weekly from 21.

PAL said Manila-Siargao flights will also operate daily, Cebu-Siargao 21 times a week, Manila-Boracay 42 flights weekly, Cebu-Boracay 14 flights weekly, Manila-Coron (Busuanga) seven flights weekly, Clark-Coron 14 weekly, and Cebu-Coron 21 weekly.

The carrier will also operate Manila-Antique flights thrice weekly, and Manila-Catarman four times weekly.

“By expanding our domestic flight route network through increased frequency of flights, we are able to efficiently cater to the needs of travelers,” PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang said.

“These additional flights and greater seat capacity reflect PAL’s commitment to increase connectivity across the archipelago, boost the local economy, and help drive tourism across our network,” he added.

The company reported its 15th straight profitable quarter in the April to June period, driven mainly by higher passenger volumes. It reported a 48% increase in its net income to $60 million, as revenues climbed 6% to $831 million while operating income rose 10% to $71 million. —AOL, GMA Integrated News