Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to resume direct flights to Europe as early as 2025, with France as one of the European Destinations. However, the airline is seeking government support to make flight prices more affordable and competitive.
In 2023, PAL ordered nine Airbus A350-1000s, which are wide-body jets designed for long routes, such as those from the Philippines to the North American east coast. These aircraft are expected to be delivered starting in 2025. PAL President and CEO Stanley Ng mentioned this at an event at the Embassy of France in Manila, saying, “Maybe in a year’s time, you can see a PAL plane flying to France when we get the new Airbus A350. But we’re still looking into that. We had meetings for that. And we’re optimistic that it’s going to work.”
Ng has consistently informed reporters about the airline’s plans to return to Europe once the new A350s arrive. However, he emphasized the need for government assistance to keep ticket prices competitive. “But we also need the support of the French Embassy as well as the Philippine government. We will find ways to make it happen and make traveling to Europe more convenient for every Filipino, as well as bringing more tourists from Europe to the Philippines,” he explained.
The Challenge of Competitive Pricing
Ng explained that competition from other airlines offering cheaper prices has prevented PAL and other Philippine-based carriers from operating direct flights to Europe. “If the fares that you’re gonna offer will not make sense, it’s hard also to justify. That’s why I mentioned earlier [that we need] some help from both sides of the government,” he said.
Government support could include reduced charges, such as parking fees, which would help PAL offer more competitively priced flights to Europe. Ng believes that with lower costs, PAL could successfully re-establish direct routes to Europe.
Reviving Direct Flights to Europe
PAL’s last direct route to Europe, from Manila to London, resumed in 2013 after being stopped in 1998. This service continued until 2022, when it was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. With new aircraft on the way and increasing travel demand, PAL aims to revive its European presence. “At least one European destination would be exciting for everyone,” Ng said. “Because if you start the direct flight, it will stimulate both economies. It will stimulate travel. A lot of value will be added if you have a direct flight. So, we just have to quantify that and see how both sides of the government can support,” he added, noting that the demand for travel “will be there.”
As of May 1, France was the Philippines’ 12th largest source of visitor arrivals, with 35,023 French travelers entering the country from January to April 2024. The potential resumption of direct flights to Europe could further boost these numbers, benefiting both tourism and business sectors.
Philippine Airlines aims to resume direct flights to Europe by 2025, pending the arrival of new Airbus A350-1000s. The airline seeks government support to make flights affordable and competitive. Reviving direct routes to Europe could stimulate economic growth and increase travel between the Philippines and Europe.
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