PAL deploys newest Boeing aircraft on prime route

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Airlines (PAL) deployed yesterday its newest aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, on its prime Manila-Tokyo Narita daily service.

The state-of-the-art aircraft, delivered less than two months ago, flies to Japan’s premium international gateway in addition to PAL’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft, reflecting the premium profile of the Japanese market.

Tokyo Narita is the second destination served by PAL’s B777-300ER. The jet has been flying the Hong Kong route since Nov. 26, 2009. It will be deployed on the Sydney and Melbourne services by mid-March.

Accommodating 42 passengers in Mabuhay Class (business) and 328 in Fiesta Class (economy), PAL’s B777-300ER features a cutting-edge inflight entertainment system, luxurious seats and a soothing, coastal resort-themed cabin design that evokes the tranquil seas of the Philippines, PAL officials said.

Each seat is outfitted with a personal television with audio-video on demand (AVOD) capability. The fully digital inflight entertainment system enables passengers to choose from a broad range of media content.

The options include six short films, 12 audio program channels, 19 of the latest Hollywood and Filipino movies, and more than 50 CD selections. There is also a range of popular digital games, including Sudoku, Tetris, Invasion and more.

PAL said the Mabuhay Class seats, supplied by Recaro of Germany, boast a generous 78-inch pitch and are adjustable to a variety of positions, including a full, lie-flat recline with a 15-degree angle.

Each seat in Mabuhay Class is equipped with individual “gooseneck” reading lights, a laptop charging port, and a USB port enabling passengers to listen to their mp3 collection or view their pdf files.

In Fiesta Class, passengers also experience enhanced comfort with their Weber-designed seats that feature a 34-inch pitch and an actuating seat pan that enables the bottom cushion to move up or forward when reclining, adding to the comfort level.