Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing flights between Manila and Melbourne amidst the surge in passenger traffic along the route.
Beginning June 1 this year, the flag carrier will operate five weekly Manila-Melbourne frequencies from the current thrice weekly service.
The additional flights form part of several operational enhancements being undertaken by PAL after receiving the coveted 4-star certification from air transport rating organization Skytrax, the airline said in a statement.
PR207 departs Manila every Wednesday and Friday at 4:45 p.m. and arrives in Melbourne at 3:00 a.m. local time the following day. PR208 leaves the Australian city every Thursday and Saturday at 5:40 a.m. local time and touches down in Manila at 10:55 a.m. on the same day.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, PR209 leaves Manila at 9:10 p.m. and lands in Melbourne at 8:30 a.m. local time the following day. And on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, PR210 departs Melbourne at 10:15 a.m. local time and reaches Manila at 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
Ryan Uy, vice president for sales, said, “The new frequency to Melbourne would enable Aussies to maximize the benefits of the domestic and international hub of PAL which currently offers a combined total of 77 destinations. Passengers will get to enjoy our newly reconfigured Airbus A330’s with new lie-flat business class, new premium economy and new economy seats.”
Uy added, “We continue to receive positive reviews about our new business class seats. Passenger loads between Melbourne and Manila have been consistently in the high 80s, while Sydney-Manila has been in the high 80s to 90s since we utilized the A330 tri-class for the equally popular route.”
On March 28, PAL will shift to a thrice weekly nonstop service between Manila and Brisbane to enable passengers to use the Airbus A340 with lie-flat business class seats. PR221 will operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, departing Manila at 11:30 p.m. and arriving in Brisbane at 9:20 a.m. local time the following day. PR222 will leave the Australian city on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11 a.m. local time and arrive in Manila at 5 p.m. on the same day.
