Philippine Airlines' Grand Awards 2008

In these trying times, corporations are indeed looking to their partners for valuable support, so that goals will be achieved. Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has always been quite appreciative of its partners in the travel and cargo industries. More specifically, PAL has come up with the Daghang Salamat/Madayaw Awards Night to honor in a fitting manner the efforts made by its travel agent and cargo company partners outside of Metro Manila.

For the third year, partners from Visayas and Mindanao, along with media friends, were flown to Manila for the grand awards in the ballroom of Century Park Hotel. The event was glitzy in the manner of Hollywood glam and glory, with the airline’s bigwigs in full attendance, led by President & COO Jaime Bautista. Others who were there to renew acquaintances, as well as to hand out the trophies and award tickets: SVP-Finance Henry So Uy, CFO Andrew Huang, Country Manager Ma. Milagros Revilla, VP-Sales Enrique Javier, AVP-Sales Visayas Bob Salazar, AVP-Sales Mindanao Domingo Duerme, SAVP-Cargo Sales Edmund de Luna, and AVP Marilou Mendoza.

In his keynote address, President Jimmy Bautista was definitely upbeat, citing recently released Civil Aeronautics Board data showing a 10% increase in domestic air travel, translating to 5.7 million Filipinos traveling by air. PAL, he proudly pointed out, contributed 2.25 million passengers to said increase.

“We have likewise embarked on a comprehensive P3.5 billion renovation of our existing long-range wide-body fleet,” Bautista highlighted. Meaning that they will focus on a bi-class layout, involving full-cabin audio-video on demand entertainment features, flat beds for business class and ergonomic seats in economy…with “a new modern look that emulates the tranquil seas and sandy beaches of the Philippines.”

What’s interesting to value-for-money sensitive flyers is a fully automated facility in PAL’s website called “calendar pricing” — a “first in the local airline industry.” Calendar pricing gives you the lowest fares over a weeklong window so that you can decide what is the cheapest/ covenient way to fly.

Despite the spiraling, albeit yoyo-ing, price of oil, PAL has managed to remain remarkably profitable due to an effective fuel-hedging program it has in place to minimize effects against the volatile fuel price fluctuations. Other measures being implemented are the cutting of baggage allowance for long-haul passengers and crew, and minimizing staff manuals onboard.

Bautista concluded: “You are here today because you have proven to be the leaders in your respective industries. Your success in the midst of the difficulties we now have to endure is a testament to your resiliency, and proof that we can weather the storm brought about by the oil crisis. So long as we work together to find ways to prosper in such unforgiving conditions, we will be able to steer through the dark clouds and emerge smarter, stronger, more efficient, and more productive businesses.”

Indeed! Congratulations to all the top producers of Philippine Airlines. Your achievement is a no mean feat.