Philippine Airlines (PAL) formally announced yesterday to travel trade and media its 44th international destination – Saipan.
Starting June 15, PAL will start its Manila-Saipan-Manila service to serve the needs of Filipino ‘kababayans’ who have long considered the flag carrier their ‘airline of choice’.
“The service is much awaited by our countrymen working in the island – territory in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. With Filipinos comprising close to 36% of the population, the planned flights will provide them a convenient link to their home country. When they take a PAL flight, they will experience that heartfelt service marked by Filipino warmth, charm and hospitality,” PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista said.
The forthcoming service will serve as a most convenient route from Saipan to Manila and 29 other domestic and 43 international destinations where the flag carrier flies to.
Bautista explained that, “Travelers from Manila can fly to Saipan adn enjoy its beaches for some sun and sea as well as various forms of nature adventure. On the other hand, Saipan dwellers may now experience the PAL brand of service and enjoy Manila for a few days before flying to other parts of the archipelago or to other points within PAL’s wide international network.”
Saipan is the latest addition to PAL’s route network, which recently included Doha, Jeddah and Kuwait this year as well as Port Moresby, Cairns, Auckland, Jinjiang and New York in 2015. PAL has introduced the newest link to the US mainland via its Cebu – Los Angeles service which commenced last March 15, coinciding with PAL’s 75th year.
As far as expanding its presence in Europe is concerned, PAL is studying four areas: Amsterdam, Hamburg, Rome, and Paris.
With traveling time of 4 hours and 15 minutes, the twice weekly service will utilize the bi-class Airbus A320 seater (12 business/144 economy).
PR1571 departs Manila every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:20pm and arrives in Saipan at 3:35AM local time. PR1572 departs Saipan every Monday and Thursday at 4:35AM and arrives Manila at 6:45AM.