Philippine Airlines (PAL) is gearing up to expand its network in Australia in a big way, and it could open up some exciting possibilities for both leisure and business travellers. Starting 27 October 2024, PAL is set to offer daily flights to Brisbane, marking a major step forward in its bid to strengthen connections between the two countries.
This expansion is part of a broader strategy by the airline to boost its weekly flights between the Philippines and Australia to a total of 22. But what does this mean for travel professionals like you? Let’s break it down.
New daily service to Brisbane
PAL is turning its Manila-Brisbane service into a daily route, adding a seventh nonstop flight each week to this important Australian destination. Daily flights will start on 27 October 2024, offering travellers more flexibility and options.
PR221 will depart Manila at 12.05am daily, arriving the next morning at 9.50am. PR222 will depart Brisbane at 11.10am daily, arriving at 5.00pm on the same day.
PAL strengthens its Australian footprint
Philippine Airlines is already a strong player in the Australia-Philippines travel market, but they’re taking things up a notch.
In fact, PAL now boasts the widest range of flights between the two countries, servicing not just one but four major Australian cities. According to PAL, this puts them ahead of other carriers operating in the same space.
“We at Philippine Airlines are excited to welcome tourists and business travellers onboard our daily flights from Manila to Brisbane, and likewise on our extensive network of nonstop flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth,” PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng said.
“We are poised to intensify efforts to promote tourism between the Philippines and Australia, as we invite more travelers to discover the wonders of our beautiful country of more than 7,000 islands and the renowned friendliness and hospitality of the Filipino people.”
Hellen B. De La Vega, the Philippine Ambassador to Australia, also praised the move, noting that it will boost “people-to-people exchanges and tourism, and facilitate greater opportunities for trade and investment.” She views the expansion as part of a larger effort to strengthen the strategic partnership between Australia and the Philippines.
How it impacts you
This increase in service doesn’t just benefit tourists. Travel agents and business travel professionals can leverage this news to offer their clients greater choice and flexibility. More flights mean more seats, better availability, and potentially even competitive pricing across the board.
It’s not just about Brisbane, either. PAL is maintaining daily flights to Sydney, while Melbourne sees five weekly connections, and Perth is served three times weekly. For those who book regular flights across the Australia-Philippines route, this bolstered network provides new opportunities to meet client demand.
Plus, with these new additions, PAL continues to assert itself as a key player in international aviation. The airline already connects to 36 destinations across Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East, not to mention 32 domestic cities across the Philippines. This growing network means more options for clients, from business travelers seeking seamless connections to leisure travelers eager to explore new destinations.
PAL’s push for comfort and connectivity
While more frequent flights are great for travellers, the comfort factor shouldn’t be overlooked. PAL has been busy revamping its service offerings, including a newly designed Mabuhay Lounge at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Exclusively available to business class passengers and PAL’s frequent flyers (think Mabuhay Miles Elite, Premier Elite, and Million Miler members), the lounge promises a premium pre-flight experience. It’s been designed by Atelier Almario, offering comfortable spaces for dining, work, or relaxation.
For travellers looking to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, this upgrade adds to the overall travel experience PAL is offering. And for travel professionals, it’s another selling point when crafting premium travel packages for clients.
