PAL to add A321ceo plane to fleet this week

MANILA, Philippines — As the air travel market picks up momentum, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will accept a reactivated aircraft in a few days that will be deployed for domestic and regional trips.

PAL will reactivate one of its Airbus A321ceo as part of efforts to broaden its fleet for short-haul operations and minimize flight cancellations and delays. The A321ceo can accommodate 199 passengers in a dual-type configuration.

The airline plans to either acquire or reactivate additional planes down the line to meet the rising demand for air travel here and abroad. PAL is rebuilding its fleet in the short term after parking several aircraft due to maintenance issues.

PAL hopes to add soon another set of units, including an A330-300 and a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 NG. The Airbus jet can carry 363 passengers and will be sent to medium-haul routes, while the De Havilland aircraft can ferry 86 travelers and will be deployed for inter-island trips.

PAL vice president for network planning Christoph Gaertner said negotiations are underway for the procurement of additional planes.

“We are taking various actions to boost our fleet count and also enable us to meet the continuing surge in travel demand while minimizing delays and cancellations,” Gaertner said.

The flag carrier is forced to reorganize its flight schedules, resulting in cancellations and delays, with five of its Airbus units grounded due to supply chain disruptions abroad.

PAL has parked a total of five aircraft (three A321neos and two A320ceos) as the airline awaits the delivery of jet engines made by Pratt & Whitney.