By Nelson Alcantara l Special to eTN, 11-16-2006
Beaming with pride of Philippine Airlines’ achievements at the recently held World Travel Market in London was the vice president for the airline’s marketing support, Felix J. Cruz. And why not, Asia’s first airline recently posted earnings of profit of $28.7 million on revenues of $1.24 billion for its fiscal year that ended last March 31, 2006.
So what’s next for Philippines’ flag carrier? Cruz said the airline will be the sole carrier to offer business-class service on domestic routes with the launching of the flag carrier’s brand-new single-aisle fleet.
The first of the fleet’s 20 Airbus aircraft, an A319-100, was unveiled last month by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in ceremonies at the main hangar of Lufthansa Technik Philippines in Pasay City.
That event marked the formal introduction of the A319, the first of 20 brand-new units belonging to the A320 family of single-aisle jets that will be delivered to PAL over the next six years.
Philippine Airlines said the package, costing upwards of $840 million, comprises a firm order for nine A320-200 aircraft plus options for five more A320s, all acquired from Airbus. In addition, PAL will lease two brand-new A320s and four A319s from GE Commercial Aviation Services, the world’s largest aircraft lessor.
