PAL readies holiday plan, adds more Japan, Australia flights

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adding more flights to Japan and Australia, gearing up for higher demand for air travel during the Christmas season.

PAL yesterday announced that it is expanding flight volume to Japan and Australia in the fourth quarter to support the expected surge in holiday travel.

For Japan, PAL is raising its flight frequency between Manila and Tokyo from the current 14 to 21 per week by Oct. 25.

Further, the airline will do the same for its direct flights to Osaka. PAL will also hike scheduled flights to winter wonderland Sapporo to five times a week by Nov. 24.

Once PAL adjusts its flight network, it will offer as many as 87 flights weekly to Japan, allowing guests to select the most convenient schedule for them. It will solidify PAL’s role as the country’s leading carrier to Japan.

As the holiday season approaches, PAL president Richard Nuttall said the added flights to Japan include early morning and late night departures to give flexibility to passengers.

“The winter season is one of the most popular times of the year for Filipinos visiting Japan. [It] is also a peak period for Japanese travelers seeking the Philippines’ tropical destinations,” Nuttall said.

Likewise, PAL will introduce more flights to Australia on select dates in December and January to serve the holiday demand. The airline is mounting additional services to Melbourne and Perth, while Brisbane and Sydney flights would be upgraded to larger aircraft.