PAL launched new fleet addition |
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| Written by Jennibeth Cabrera | |
| Tuesday, 31 October 2006 | |
 Philippine Airlines launched last October 20 its newest addition to its fleet, an Airbus A319-100, which was the first of the 20 single-aisle passenger jets to be acquired by flag carrier for $840 million for domestic and regional flights. The unveiling rite was held at the hangar of the Lufthansa Technik on Andrews Avenue, Pasay City, Philippines. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo being the guest of honor of the said event poured champagne on the nose of the newly delivered A319-100, as what her mother, First Lady Evangelina Macapagal did 44 years ago on the nose of PAL’s Douglas DC-8 jet during its inaugural ceremony. "Despite challenges, we are bullish about our country’s growth prospects and stability. This positive outlook prompted us to upgrade PAL’s fleet," Lucio Tan, PAL chairman and chief executive officer said in a speech. He said that his confidence is anchored on the 4.8 percent projected growth in passenger traffic this year, and on the sterling 10 percent increase in global airlines industry revenues in the last years. Tan also said that they made the right decision at boldly going forward now that the world fuel prices are stabilizing. As part of its US expansion, PAL is eyeing flights to Seattle, Washington and San Diego, California. PAL flies daily to Los Angeles and San Francisco, both on California: and four-times-a-week between Manila-Vancouver, Canada-Las Vegas, Nevada; and thrice weekly between Manila and Honolulu. After the Asian financial crisis and crippling labor problem pressed to its near bankruptcy, the airline discontinued its flight to Europe in 1998. PAL president Jaime Bautista said that they might pursue further US extension and recommencement of Europe services. Every year, review for the probability of operating to Europe was made. However, last year, their study showed that they will lose because of too much competition. Bautista also pointed out that they were still choosing between Airbus and Boeing for its future aircraft acquirement. He also said that they will supply funds to buy the aircraft from normal financing schemes. The A319-100 that rolled out yesterday is component of a 20-aircraft, $840-million package comprising 14 A320s aircraft which will be delivered in the next six years. PAL mainly used A319-100 and A320 family of single jets to service its domestic operations and some Asian destinations such as the Manila to Beijing, China route which starts to progress last year. The new jets will allow PAL to offer business-class service to all of its domestic points. Previously, only in major routes like Cebu, Davao, Puerto Prinsesa and General Santos City have been catering this kind of service. Pal will be the sole carrier to offer business-class service in the domestic market if the project pushes through. Through the modern fleet, PAL is hoping to assist in fostering economic growth in the countryside. Just as well as, it will help improve air bridges between the Philippines and neighboring countries.  Airbus 319-100 Specs |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 April 2008 ) |
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