PAL unveils new product for budget segment

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has introduced a new product, called PAL EconoLight class, aimed at the budget segment of the market, on all its domestic jet routes as well as selected short-range Asian routes.

The selling period started on Nov. 4, while the travel period starts on Nov. 10, 2008.

PAL will allocate seats on these flights for the new product, which is priced lower by up to 93 percent off regular Fiesta class (economy) fares, but designed with less passenger amenities than Fiesta class.

Still, EconoLight Class offers more than competing budget carriers, company officials said.

They said passengers will continue to enjoy PAL’s comfortable aircraft cabin with generous legroom, convenient schedules and seamless connections at NAIA Centennial Terminal 2 in Manila, now boasting an on-time departure average rate of 91.3 percent.

Passengers also receive a free baggage allowance of 15 kilograms each.

PAL EconoLight class is currently offered on PAL flights between Manila and Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga.

EconoLight class is not available on routes served by PAL Express.

Asian routes cover flights between Manila and Bangkok, Beijing, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Macau, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei.

One-way fares of as low as P488, inclusive of all fees and surcharges, are available on domestic flights. International round-trip fares start at $48, excluding surcharges.           – Mary Ann Ll. Reyes