Philippine Airlines Returns to Kuala Lumpur after 7 year Absence

Source: MyGoldenHolidays.com

It was a historic start to the month as Philippine Airlines kicked off its global expansion by returning to Kuala Lumpur after an absence of seven years.
Philippine Airlines had been observing demand on the route and witnessed strong demand for its flights operated by PAL Express. The Philippine Airlines subsidiary was already serving the Kuala Lumpur-Manila route three times weekly. The new service offered by Philippine Airlines is designed to complement the existing PAL Express service and will be flown four times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The two services combined will ultimately give travellers a daily service to Malaysia. 

Photo Copyright: He Junxian/Airliners.net

According to Philippine Airlines, the goal of the route isn't just to offer travellers more choice with a daily service but also to make Manila a link to the various domestic points in the Philippines and a gateway to Philippine Airline's long-haul destinations in the US, Canada, Australia, and Asia.

The airline is anticipating a load factor of between 80-90 percent by the end of the year. PAL would like to expand its presence in Southeast Asia to meet the growing demand from its passengers for greater access to regional destinations.

Authorities in Malaysia were pleased with the announcement stating that it would help to boost tourism in both countries. The route will be flown with a Philippine Airlines Airbus A319 which is capable of seating up to 134 passengers. The inaugural flight from Manila landed in Kuala Lumpur and was greeted by the traditional water cannon salute to welcome Philippine Airlines back to Malaysia.

The new flight is expected to attract not only Filipino overseas workers and budget travellers but also the large clientele in the leisure market who want to visit the Philippines and Malaysia. The renewed air service will result not only in increased exchanges in passenger traffic between Malaysia and the Philippines but also increased cultural and economic exchanges. 



Photo Copyright: Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines is hoping for further growth moving forward and is expecting a 30% increase in flight loads before the end of 2013. Malaysian Tourism officials are equally as optimistic anticipating tourist arrivals from the Philippines to rise by 20% this year translating to approximately 600,000 arrivals.

Travellers will be the real winners from this announcement as they now enjoy more choice between Manila and Kuala Lumpur than ever before. Passengers will be able to choose Cebu Pacific or Air Asia travelling from Kuala Lumpur's Low Cost Carrier Terminal or they can select between Malaysian Airlines, Philippine Airlines or PAL Express from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Watch the video of the water cannon salute given to Philippine Airlines!