LOOK: This Local Airline Will Launch Flights to Europe by 2025
The airline previously purchased nine wide-body jets from Airbus last June, which it plans to use for its flights to Europe.
Did you know that Philippine Airlines (PAL) serves a total of 39 international destinations in 21 countries? That number is expected to grow as the airline is planning to launch flights to Europe by the end of 2025.
According to a report by the Philippine Star, PAL is planning to launch flights to Europe once the A350-1000s it ordered from Airbus last June becomes part of its fleet. PAL purchased nine of the wide-body jets, which will arrive in 2025 as well.
PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna said in an interview that the company is planning to talk to European regulators soon about its plans to fly to the continent.
As of press time, it has not been disclosed which European destination PAL is eyeing.
PAL’s Interline Agreement with Emirates
For now, PAL passengers who want to fly to Europe can do so thanks to its interline agreement with Emirates. This interline agreement was recently expanded to allow the two airlines to share air routes from Cebu and Clark. Previously, the two airlines shared air routes from Manila and Dubai only.
What this means is that an Emirates passenger needs “just a single ticket when flying to any Philippine destination by way of Manila, Cebu, and Clark.”
“From Cebu, PAL can ferry Emirates customers to several points nationwide, including Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Davao and Puerto Princesa,” the report explains. “Further, PAL can bring Emirates passengers to Busuanga, Cebu, and Caticlan via Clark.”
As for Emirates, it can transport PAL passengers from Dubai to different European cities, including London, Paris, and Barcelona.
The Benefits of PAL’s Planned Flights to Europe
Once PAL’s plans become a reality, the airline’s flights to Europe will provide Filipinos more options when traveling to the continent. It can also help improve tourism in the country as more flights to and from Europe can bring in more tourists to the country.