PAL eyes ‘special scenic flight’ over PH

Aviation Updates Philippines – National flag carrier Philippine Airlines, in an email, said it is exploring a three-hour ‘special scenic flight’ over famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. The airline plans to utilize the new Airbus A321neo fleet on these flights, making 108 seats up for grabs.

In a report from local news outlet BusinessMirror, a source from the flag carrier revealed the proposed “flights to nowhere” aims to restore travel appetite and generate revenue as airlines worldwide continue to struggle. PAL has been incurring immense expenses from parked aircraft with little or no flight revenues coming in. 

The scenic flight will last for 3 hours. It will fly over Mayon Volcano in Albay, Boracay Island in Aklan, Gigantes Islands in Panay, Coron and El Nido in Palawan, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and Bantayan Island in Cebu, before finally landing back in Manila. A tour guide from the Department of Tourism (DOT) would be on-board as they fly over the scenery.

The aerial tour package will also include a complimentary RT-PCR test two days before departure, enhanced health and safety protocols, pre-flight snacks and refreshments, an amenity kit, a commemorative flight certificate, souvenirs, and optional overnight hotel stay for a discounted price. 

While the PAL poster has not revealed any ticket prices, the report from BusinessMirror says business class seats are expected to be priced at P28,499 per person, excluding taxes. Full scenic and semi-scenic economy class seats are also available at P18,499 and P14,999, respectively. Meanwhile, cabin experience only seats in the economy class are available for P11,099.

As of the moment, the flag carrier has not publicly revealed details on this planned special flight. Details may vary upon the final announcement.

PAL is not the first airline to offer these ‘flights to nowhere’ as other carriers have offered the same service over the past few months. Asiana Airlines and All Nippon Airways both offered scenic flights on their Airbus A380 fleet, among other airlines.

With reports from BusinessMirror