PAL TO EXPAND FLIGHTS TO TORONTO

The Lucio Tan-led airline said it would introduce a third weekly nonstop flight on its Manila-Toronto route beginning April 5, 2024.

"Our expansion of flights to Toronto highlights the importance of the Canadian market in the Philippine Airlines network," PAL Chief Commercial Officer Eric David Anderson said.

"We want to make it easier for businesses to establish commercial relations, for Canadians to plan holiday trips to the Philippines, and for Filipino-Canadians to visit their families back in the homeland," he added.

"Canada is among the top ten sources of foreign tourists to the Philippines, with more than 180,000 Canadians visiting the Philippines during the first ten months of 2023. Additionally, the new frequencies will bolster connectivity between Southeast Asia and Canada via PAL's Manila hub."

With three weekly frequencies to choose from, passengers gain more flexibility to organize their travel plans.

PAL's current twice-weekly service departs every Wednesday and Sunday from Manila and Toronto.

PAL is the only airline offering nonstop flights between the Philippines and Canada, and also serves Vancouver with daily flights from its Manila hub. Other points across Canada such as Edmonton, Winnipeg and Calgary are served via PAL's codeshare partner WestJet.

"We are thrilled that Philippine Airlines is increasing frequency between Toronto and Manila, a destination in very high demand," said Khalil Lamrabet, Greater Toronto Airports Authority chief commercial officer.

"With this additional flight, more passengers will be able to fly directly, reducing their total travel time by more than 25 percent compared to a connecting itinerary."

PAL's parent firm PAL Holdings Inc.'s share price was unchanged at P5.25 apiece on Monday.