A SELECTED media group joined the press launch of Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) Bombardier Q400 in Davao City on April 11 to 13. We were billeted at Marco Polo Davao. We enjoyed world-class amenities so typical of the Marco Polo chains of hotels. We thank Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, its general manager, for making our stay so restful and comfortable.

The national flag carrier takes pride in getting the four-star airline category from Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. The brand... “the Heart of the Filipino” now becomes more passionate. A two-year rigid transformation, said PAL president and chief operating officer Dr. Jaime Bautista. “We are no longer just a Manila-centric airline,” said Bautista, “we have new routes and hikes in flight frequencies, with delivery of five additional next generation Bombardier Q400, six new Airbus A321neos (May 2018) and four Airbus A350-900 trans-oceanic aircraft (June 2018). These mean more regional and international flights and connections. The goal is to clinch the five-star global rating.”

We were lucky to have an ocular visit of the Bombardier Q400 which has 30 percent faster cruise speed, with superior climb and service ceiling, greater flexibility to avoid storms, nimble fast with more freedom to tackle urgent concerns on flight. The Bombadier Q400 has 90 seats, with options to augment when needed.

We congratulate PAL for a well-organized presscon, ocular trip and dinner fellowship. It was great to see Vic Suarez who now heads PAL Davao. The media group was fun to be with. Thank you, PAL, for an enlivening travel.