Philippine Airlines (PAL) is listening to the demands of many Filipinos in Europe who have been longing for a direct connection between European countries and the Philippines. The airline is planning a return to Europe by 2025, and Italy is emerging as a top choice for this expansion.
Capt. Stanley Ng, the president and chief operating officer of PAL, revealed at an event in Pasay that the airline is “actively looking for a destination in Europe.” He further stated, “Italy is one of the top countries in mind,” during an event hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.
Exploring New Routes and Rebuilding the Network
PAL’s plans don’t stop at Italy. In December of last year, the airline also expressed interest in a possible Manila-Brussels flight. This new route would make travel to the west more convenient for passengers, and Brussels Airport Company CEO Arnaud Feist has previously described this route as a “win-win” for both countries.
The airline is no stranger to European destinations, having previously operated direct flights to London. Unfortunately, these flights were discontinued in 2021 due to the pandemic’s impact on the airline industry.
They also operated flights from Manila to several other European cities, including Frankfurt, Paris, Athens, Rome, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Zurich.
Investing in the Future
PAL’s commitment to growth and innovation is evident in its recent purchase deal for nine A350-1000s with Airbus. These aircraft will be used for long-haul services from Manila to the east coast of the United States and Canada.
The airline’s focus on acquiring newer and more efficient planes is a promising sign for its European return. There’s hope that PAL will continue to invest in aircraft that offer flexibility in serving the European market, such as their current 295-seater A350-900. This could potentially open new markets, including the Kangaroo Route.
With the world slowly opening up again, PAL’s return to Europe by 2025 could not come at a better time. Whether it’s reuniting families, facilitating business travel, or satisfying the wanderlust of avid travelers, PAL’s European comeback is a welcome development that promises to bring Filipinos closer together.
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