Philippine Airlines upgrading passenger system service

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) continues to take steps toward becoming a 5-Star airline as it moves to upgrade to a more advanced passenger service system next month.

“We are looking forward to launching a more reliable and passenger-friendly system that is designed for the needs of our customers,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said.

“This system will serve as the technology backbone of our business, and it follows naturally from the recent innovations and service upgrades that have won for PAL the 4-Star Global Airline Rating and the recognition as the World’s Most Improved Airline,” Bautista said.

PAL said its new IT computer system, using the Altea PSS Suite by Amadeus, would enable its customers to benefit from greater convenience in booking reservations, ticketing, check-in, and boarding processes.

The upgrade to the new system will take place on the third week of March.

With the upgrade, PAL said passengers could expect easier booking and automated recognition of customer preferences, faster check-in process, improved online check-in experience, smoother transfers to connecting flights on partner airlines, real-time, personalized alerts for flight changes, online cash plus Miles redemption for Mabuhay Miles members, year-round redemption of Mabuhay Miles for any seat and any fare, and convenient purchase of tickets along with ancillary services in one transaction.

“PAL aims to enhance passenger satisfaction with a smoother booking-to-boarding experience at different points of contact,” it said.

PAL has undertaken recent innovations such as enhanced business class experience on long-haul flights, a new premium economy service featuring a private cabin on Airbus A350 and tri-class A330 aircraft, enhancements in inflight meals, onboard entertainment systems, long-haul duvet service and cabin mood-lighting.

PAL has also introduced faster and more convenient nonstop routes to New York, Auckland, Toronto, Sapporo, Brisbane and by April, to New Delhi.

PAL said the improvements in products and customer services are in line with its long-term goal to achieve full 5-Star Premium Airline status, a rating reserved for the best international airlines.

“We will not rest on our laurels. Every Filipino traveler, every tourist visiting our homeland, every OFW and business person, deserves reliable quality service from the Philippines’ only global airline, and we are determined to carry on our transformation for the greater good of the flying public,” Bautista said.