TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Philippine Airlines has been serving to secure better connections all around the globe for almost 79 years, ever since the airlines’ first flight took off in March 1941. The airline now aims to expand its network with additional flights and is seeking to attain the goal of putting the Philippines in the world map as one of the most well-connected destinations in the far east.
Founded by a group of businessmen in February 1941 and then a month later March 1941, the first Philippine Airlines flight takes to the skies with a twin-engine, five-seater Beech Model 18 aircraft from Nielsen airfield in Makati to Baguio. By September of the same year, the government of Philippines invests in Philippine Airlines making it the national carrier known as “PAL”. The first service starts on September 2, 1941 to Cebu and then the story continues up to date where they have become an income earner for the government of Philippines. Having almost three fourth of the country working overseas, gives the
airline an edge as the national carrier.
In United Arab Emirates there are over one million workers from the Philippines and every year the number keeps growing which ensures that the airline has continued business every year. According to the Agnes Pagaduan, Country Manager, UAE, Philippine Airlines, 2019 proved to be a good year with a significant increase of 8 per cent in passenger traffic in
comparison to 2018.
Their network keep expanding every year with additional flights to destinations that are popular, so this year there will be two international flights one from Manila to Perth flying four times daily and another from Cebu to Los Angeles thrice weekly and a domestic service from Manila to Pagadian as a daily flight.
Pagaduan states, “Philippine Airlines as the heart of the Filipino will continue to serve our countrymen by giving a service that no other can. Philippine Airlines will play a major role in ensuring bilateral relations between the UAE and Philippines as we are closely collaborating with several government agencies to help boost and promote Philippines as another holiday destination in the region. With the help of our trade and hotel partners there is no doubt that we will attain our goal in putting our country in one of the best destinations in far east.”
