PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) is the country’s first and only four-star airline as certified by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. PAL is now proudly in the league of 40 world-class airlines around the globe. The recognition came about after our national flag carrier, under the leadership of PAL president and chief operating officer Dr. Jaime Bautista, instituted various innovations and expanded its fleet and route network over a period of two years. The ultimate goal is of course to achieve a five-star rating and thus put PAL among the most outstanding airlines worldwide.
In celebration of its four-star status, and to show off the newest “star” in its fleet (the Bombardier Q400), PAL organized a two-day assembly in Davao of media friends and tourism partners from different parts of the country. Venue was the Marco Polo Davao, Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel known for its world-class amenities and warm hospitality.
The first activity was a welcome dinner at the hotel’s Lotus Court which is known for its excellent Cantonese cuisine. It was an evening of easy camaraderie with the PAL executives led by the friendly and unassuming PAL president and chief operating officer Dr. Jaime Bautista. Our PAL table mates were senior assistant vice president-VisMin sales Harry Inoferio, area head-Mindanao sales and services Vic Suarez and spokeperson Cielo Villaluna.
Also around were Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin who used to be Cebu-based when she was with Cebu Plaza Hotel and later with Alegre Beach Resort; and director of sales and marketing Pearl Peralta Maclang, a friend from way back when. Another old friend present was PAL vice president-marketing Ria Domingo.
The next day started off with a press conference at the hotel ballroom moderated by PAL vice president-corporate communications Josen Perez de Tagle. Holding court were Dr. Jaime Bautista, PAL Express president Bonifacio Sam and senior vice president-airline operations Ismael Gozon. Fun and games were incorporated into the morning agenda.
The afternoon itinerary was a quick trip to the airport for the Bombardier Q400 NG Static Display. The group boarded the 86-seater aircraft for a look-see at the spanking new plane, one of the fastest and longest range turbo aircrafts with wider windows, more leg room and ample baggage compartments. Frontliners were Bombardier vice president-sales Southeast Asia Francois Cognard; regional director for customer service-Asia Pacific Rob Burdekin; head of marketing-Asia Pacific Ross G. McKeand; and sales director South Asia and Australasia Aman Kochher.
The finale of the two-day affair was the Gala Night hosted by PAL and Bombardier at the Marco Polo Davao ballroom. It was a congenial gathering marked by a brief program highlighted by the ceremonial toast saluting PAL’s four-star status, new thrusts and acquisitions. Special guests were Davao government officials and civic leaders led by Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag who gave a brief message. The message of Mayor Sarah Duterte (she was out of town) was read by Councilor Mabel Acosta. Megastar/songstress Sharon Cuneta provided the musical part of the program and delighted the audience with her signature songs. The excitement heightened when it was time for the raffle draw... PAL tickets to domestic, regional and international destinations.
PAL serves 76 destinations in four continents and PAL president Jaime Bautista says: “Our current fleet of 85 aircraft is already the largest in the Philippines. We are aiming for 100 aircraft by 2020, which places us in the category of a major carrier.... We aspire to ultimately become a five-star global airline, to be a source of pride for all Filipinos.”