LUCIO Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken measures to normalize operations and minimize disruptions after canceling eight flights on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, due to aircraft maintenance.
“We are regularly reviewing our flight capacity to ensure that maintenance schedules are met,” said PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna in a Viber message.
PAL canceled eight flights, namely PR382 to Canada, PR318 to Hong Kong, PR408 to Osaka, PR501 to Singapore, PR740 to Bangkok, PR110 to Guam, PR432 to Narita and PR426 to Fukuoka.
According to Villaluna, these cancellations were due to the grounding of several aircraft. Passengers booked for these flights were re-accommodated on the next available flights, rerouted, or refunded, with tickets being converted to travel vouchers.
To enhance efficiency and reduce aircraft servicing time, Villaluna said the airline is making changes to its maintenance procedures without compromising safety and aircraft reliability.
Villaluna said PAL is actively seeking additional sources of critical parts suppliers in the market. The airline is also planning to acquire an additional Airbus’ A321CEO to join the PAL fleet in the first week of July this year.
PAL is also finalizing lease arrangements for one additional aircraft, Q400, and one A330. An additional A320 is expected to return from storage in the first week of August.
Villaluna pointed out that the airline has signed a purchase agreement for nine brand new aircraft from Airbus (A350-1000). These new aircraft will operate non-stop services from Manila to North America, including the East Coast of the US and Canada. The new aircraft will join the two A350-900s already in service at the airline.
PAL’s A350-1000 fleet will be able to accommodate 380 passengers with separate cabins for business class, premium economy and economy class.
“The A350-1000 is our ‘Mission Aircraft’ to connect the world and boost the Philippine economy and society,” said Lucio Tan III, PAL Holdings Inc. president and chief operating officer.
Airline companies blame part shortages and maintenance issues for canceled and delayed flights. PAL and budget carrier Cebu Pacific have already issued apologies to their passengers for flight delays and cancellations.