PAL flying non-stop to Middle East

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to start non-stop service between Manila and seven destinations in the Middle East later this month.

“The non-stop service will give us a better product to offer our kababayans, our overseas Filipino workers. Aside from the convenience of such flights, passengers will get to experience in-flight service with the heart of the Filipino, marked by warmth, care and hospitality,” PAL president and COO Jaime J. Bautista said.

The non-stop service will be available for the following routes: Manila to Dubai (available seven times per week); Manila-Doha and Manila-Kuwait (four times weekly each); Manila-Jeddah and Manila-Abu Dhabi (thrice weekly each); Manila-Dammam (five times weekly); and Manila-Riyadh (seven times per week).

Following the start of non-stop service for the seven routes, PAL is also set to shift to the bi-class Airbus A330 from the all-economy 414-seater Airbus A330 currently being used for the seven routes.

The bi-class A330 has full flat beds on business class.

The shift to the bi-class A330 will happen on June 15, for the service to Dubai, while the change will take place on July 15, for the flights to Abu Dhabi and Doha.

PAL’s service to Riyadh will make the shift on Aug. 15, while Kuwait and Jeddah will move to the bi-class A330 on Sept. 15.

“The shift to bi-class service across all Mid-East routes gives our passengers the flexibility to choose between regular economy, premium economy and business class service. Regardless of which class of service you choose, PAL will deliver its distinct brand of Filipino service,” Bautista said.

Through the non-stop operations, passengers from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia could avail of direct flights to the country, as well as connections to other international destinations being served by PAL.