PAL still reigns with 43% market share

CEBU, Philippines - Despite discount rates offered by main rivals in the industry, Philippine Airlines continues to dominate the various air routes in the country retaining a lion’s share of 43% of the total passenger traffic led by its Cebu operations, which accounts for the highest share of 42% of the total market.

And as the country’s premiere flag carrier celebrates it 70th year in March 2011, PAL country manager Genaro “Bong” Velasquez said they want to make it big and share the airline’s milestone to the customers by commencing the year-long celebration with a series of promotional events.

Velasquez yesterday announced during a press briefing held at Laguna Garden Café that 70,000 free seats will be given away through a series of promo initiatives including a grand seat raffle, a “Philippines Free” international campaign, a major discounted promo, and a loyalty program targeting the youth market dubbed as the Y Flyers.

The promotions will be formally announced during the 69th anniversary celebration of PAL on March 15, 2010 at the Century Park Hotel.

The Grand Seat Raffle covers all PAL revenue tickets purchased in the Philippines and through PAL’s website. Travel period must be between March 16 and December 31, 2010.

The raffle draws will span for nine months wherein 16,000 winners will be chosen to win free tickets equivalent to those purchased and flown. And on the day of the 70th anniversary of PAL, 3,000 passengers will have the chance to travel for free.

Meanwhile, the “Anniversary Fare Special” fares promo will offer discounted rates on all domestic routes served by PAL. One-way flights from Manila to any point in Luzon or Visayas will be pegged at a flat rate of P700, while flights to and from Mindanao will be offered at P1,700.

Moreover, the “Philippines Free” campaign will offer free travel to the Philippines from 18 international destinations. The sale period is between March 15 and April 7, 2010.

And those who will be celebrating their 70th birthday between March 15 and April 15, 2010 will receive a free domestic ticket, provided that a companion purchases a ticket for travel on the same route and date. Travel date must be within May 15 and August 20, 2010.

PAL likewise initiated a promo for the younger flyers dubbed as the Mabuhay Miles “Y Flyer” which will start on March 15, 2010.

The “Y Flyer” promo gives 10% discount off published fares to passengers between the ages two and 21 years. Current members of Mabuhay Miles are automatically qualified as Y Flyers.

Y Flyers will also get a chance to grab a ticket to the “Changing Lives: Timbaland Shock Value II” concert on March 27 in Manila, which will feature Justin Timberlake and Jojo. PAL will be giving away 50 concert tickets.