Flag carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Turkish Airlines have signed a code-sharing agreement that expands their bilateral operations.
Under the arrangement signed during the 71st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting 2015, PAL will market Turkish Airlines’ thrice weekly flights between Istanbul and Manila, while Turkish Airlines will sell PAL’s domestic flights from Manila to Cebu and Davao.
Both carriers will also offer flights across the Istanbul-Manila-Cebu/Davao routes.
This is PAL’s ninth international code-sharing agreement, following its partnership with Westjet, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Air Macau.
A code-sharing agreement is an arrangement where two or more airlines share the same flight.
“This partnership, which provides our passengers an expanded menu of travel options, will further drive demand for tourist and business travel between the Philippines and Turkey,” PAL president Jaime Bautista said.
Turkish Airlines deputy chairman and chief executive officer Dr. Temel Kotil said, “We are extremely pleased to sign this code share agreement with Philippine Airlines and we aim to improve this partnership in order to maximize the travel opportunities of our passengers by offering a wider array of flight choices through the networks of both airlines.”
Once flight entitlements between the Philippines and Turkey are increased, the two airlines plan to expand their agreement.
Recently, the Philippines and Turkey signed a new air services agreement increasing the number of flights between Manila and Istanbul to seven weekly from three weekly flights.
Turkish Airlines currently operates three weekly flights between Istanbul and Manila, and plans to increase flights from three to seven weekly in October.
PAL places more orders
Meanwhile, PAL will be acquiring two more Boeing B777-300ERs to further strengthen its long-haul operations.
PAL, in a separate statement, said the aircraft will be acquired through a deal with leasing firm Intrepid Aviation.
The orders will add to the six 777-300ERs PAL currently operates and bring the flag carrier’s total fleet count to 78.
“These additional 777-300ERs will help us continue to expand our long-haul markets efficiently and economically, while enabling us to provide passengers our trademark Filipino service in the modern, state-of-the-art 777,” Bautista noted.
Intrepid Aviation president and chief executive officer Franklin Pray said “the economics and capabilities of the 777-300ER continue to make it very attractive for our customers who are looking for growth potential.”
The 777-300ER is regarded as the most fuel- and cost-efficient airplane in its class today with 99.5% reliability, and as one of the most reliable types of twin-aisle aircraft in the world.
