PAL gets 5-star rating

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has secured a five-star major airline rating for 2021 from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), an upgrade from its four-star major airline rating this year.

“This is an extraordinary recognition for Philippine Airlines. This big win arrived amid a most challenging period in the company’s existence and in the industry as a whole. It validates the collective efforts of all members of the PAL family – its owners, stakeholders, management team and the organizational hierarchy,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

“This inspires everyone to keep going without let up in the interest of the flying public,” she said.

APEX is a global non-profit organization and one of the world’s largest international airline associations.

The APEX rating program is based solely on verified and certified passenger feedback, and recognizes airlines in four categories namely, global airlines, major airlines, regional airlines, and low-cost carriers.

‘’APEX designed the official airline ratings to capture the voice of customers’ votes worldwide. Our 2021 recognized airlines demonstrate exemplary dedication and innovation to advancing the passenger experience even in these unprecedented COVID-19 times,” APEX chief executive officer Joe Leader said.

PAL was earlier included in the top 10 worldwide airlines for COVID-19 travel safety measures based on its Safe Travel Score, an industry-first rating initiative based on an independent audit of more than 150 airlines and 20 parameters applicable to an air journey across pre-boarding, boarding, and onboard experiences.

PAL is gradually taking off as it has now restored nearly a third of its pre-pandemic flights.