PAL expands Clark hub

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its hub in Clark, Pampanga through the launch of flights to four new domestic destinations. 

In a statement yesterday, PAL said it is adding four new domestic points to be served from the Clark International Airport such as Siargao in Surigao del Norte,  San Vicente in Palawan, Cauayan in Isabela, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro. 

PAL started its daily service from Clark to Siargao using the Bombardier Q400 next generation turboprop aircraft yesterday. 

The carrier said Siargao has become a popular holiday destination for both local and foreign tourists.

PAL said it would also open regular flights to the newly opened airport at San Vicente, as well as in Cauayan and San Jose on Oct.28.

PAL’s service to San Vicente would be available twice daily, while flights to San Jose would be offered eight times a week and those for Cauayan would be provided six times per week.

All three routes will utilize the 86-seater Q400s which have six seats in economy plus and 80 in the economy class. 

These new points would affirm PAL’s position as the biggest airline operator out of Clark with a total of 19 destinations. 

At present, PAL operates flights to the following points from Clark: Bacolod, Basco, Busuanga, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan, Cebu, Davao, Masbate, Naga, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Virac and Seoul (South Korea).

PAL’s expansion is made possible by the arrival of two new Q400s in May and June, bringing the number of new generation Q400s to seven. 

“PAL’s build-up of operations at Clark, as well as in Cebu and Davao, aims to significantly enhance travel convenience and connectivity for domestic travelers, while helping decongest Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport,” PAL said. 

As PAL aims to achieve a five-star rating by 2020, it is undertaking various initiatives such as modernization of fleet, expanding operations and improving its offering. 

Earlier this year, PAL obtained a four-star rating from  international air transport rating organization Skytrax.