Airlines In The Philippines IV

[Arianespace]

It was established already by this forum that UA has more front seats filled than PR. Everything else is just bonus.

[Gustavo J Oppenheimer]

As long as the Provincial Government in Aklan opposes the inclusion of international flights in MPH, that wouldn't happen

[Arianespace]

Local politicians has no say in gateway classifications. If you read the earlier thread way back, Kalibo has always been the gateway. Not Caticlan. Even SMC can't do anything about it.

[JNC03]

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is exploring the possibility of hedging fuel in light of the abrupt spike in petroleum prices that lead to elevated airfares.

While PAL has no problem acquiring jet fuel supply for its flights, it is struggling with prices as they fluctuate due to geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.

PAL will be landing five more aircraft this year from aerospace giant Airbus. The carrier will be receiving three A350-1000s for transpacific flights and two A321neos for short-range services.


https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/08/10/2548142/pal-mulls-fuel-hedging/amp/

[JNC03]

In speaking of Embraer officials from DFA visited Embraer HQ

[Arianespace]

C-130Js big brother. In fact, they are already holding it.

[JNC03]

For now, the company’s focus is to strengthen its North American network, Mr. Fernandez said, further dismissing plans of opening services to Europe.

“Our objective really is to strengthen our North American network… The demand continues to be helpful, the challenge is the cost of operating because of the fuel prices,” he said.

For this year, PAL is studying to operate seven new routes, he said, noting that Manila-Chicago flights are among these planned services.


https://bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/08/10/768912/pal-expects-up-to-five-more-aircraft-this-year/

[ewh1]

JNC03 wrote

For now, the company’s focus is to strengthen its North American network, Mr. Fernandez said, further dismissing plans of opening services to Europe.

“Our objective really is to strengthen our North American network… The demand continues to be helpful, the challenge is the cost of operating because of the fuel prices,” he said.

For this year, PAL is studying to operate seven new routes, he said, noting that Manila-Chicago flights are among these planned services.


https://bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/08/10/768912/pal-expects-up-to-five-more-aircraft-this-year/

I wonder how close we could see PAL try to launch SAN again? I know they failed to launch back in 2008-10 because of FAA Cat 2. Then there was another plan in 2018-ish, but same thing.

Anyway, someone shared this on a.net, from a committee meeting from the SAN airport authority.  Link

If ORD matures faster than expected, they could probably launch in the next year or two with A359s no? It also keeps the A/C useful as SAN can't handle A35Ks at full payload, considering the short runway of 9,401 feet compared to 12,923 feet at LAX.

Not to mention, once they join oneworld, It'll help provide better connectivity to SEA and Asia and support AS, AA, and JL.

[Arianespace]

Not close I guess. The reason was posted in February this year.

Arianespace wrote

Solblanc wrote

These routes like ORD... perfect for a 787. Perhaps a 787 can also do MNL-SAN nonstop?

seven13 wrote

Would it be a good idea to launch a second YVR frequency should PR launch SAN, MIA or IAH?

The problem with SAN is not about airplanes but infrastructure. While a 77w could jump to a 5knm journey, a max MTOW heavy plane has no chance of clearing a 2k runway for a 7knm journey back home. A tech stop over HNL or YVR could work, even on A330. But which one has better economics is anyone's guest. You have 5th freedom at YVR and none at HNL.

I personally like the idea of via HNL for PAL to have daily connections with 2-3 onward connections to SAN.

[romantic_guy08]

JNC03 wrote

For now, the company’s focus is to strengthen its North American network, Mr. Fernandez said, further dismissing plans of opening services to Europe.

“Our objective really is to strengthen our North American network… The demand continues to be helpful, the challenge is the cost of operating because of the fuel prices,” he said.

For this year, PAL is studying to operate seven new routes, he said, noting that Manila-Chicago flights are among these planned services.


https://bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/08/10/768912/pal-expects-up-to-five-more-aircraft-this-year/

JNC03 wrote

For now, the company’s focus is to strengthen its North American network, Mr. Fernandez said, further dismissing plans of opening services to Europe.

“Our objective really is to strengthen our North American network… The demand continues to be helpful, the challenge is the cost of operating because of the fuel prices,” he said.

For this year, PAL is studying to operate seven new routes, he said, noting that Manila-Chicago flights are among these planned services.


https://bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/08/10/768912/pal-expects-up-to-five-more-aircraft-this-year/

Really hope AKL is one of them...

[JNC03]

Former Philippine Airlines president Jaime Bautista has been elected as an independent director of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), adding decades of aviation and transport experience to the board of the Ramon Ang-led conglomerate.

[JNC03]

Embraer offered the Lineage 1000 for the future presidential aircraft of Philippine Air Force. The offer made during the visit of Philippine delegation in Brazil.

The Lineage 1000 can have up to 20 passengers in a VVIP configuration and a maximum range of 4600nm.

[Arianespace]

As predicted in this forum would happen 5 months ago

 Philippine Airlines swung to a $25.1 million net loss in the first half of 2026

“The Middle East conflict has created significant near-term pressure on our fuel costs, and our second-quarter results reflect that impact."PAL president Richard Nuttall said in a statement on Thursday.

Passenger traffic fell 3.1 percent to 8.2 million.

PAL said the Middle East conflict remains the biggest variable for second-half earnings because of its impact on fuel prices, inflation and travel demand.

Domestic demand has been more affected by higher fares, although PAL said its local operations remain profitable, while international demand has held up better.

https://insiderph.com/philippine-airlines-swings-to-first-half-loss-as-fuel-costs-jump-48

Also explains why some RTLs, and further delay to refurb programs.

“International demand remains strong, our cost discipline is holding, and we enter the second half with the flexibility to manage through this disruption while staying focused on our strategic plan,” Nuttall said.

And explains further launch deferrals, ie. Saipan etc

[JNC03]

But atleast they already ordered the jets they need for the next decade.

Even Cebu Pacific faces the same thing

[Arianespace]

That is MOU. MOU is not ORDER. It is only an undertaking to order. They have until December to close it. To be blunt about it, the MOU was caused by the same reason stated in the earlier post. The MOU was necessary to lock production line numbers.

[Arianespace]

Also predicted in this forum would happen is now happening.

[romantic_guy08]

Arianespace wrote

Also predicted in this forum would happen is now happening.

they been operating the 77Ws to RUH for about a month or two now...

Was expecting the only the older birds to fly that route.. it seems, all of the 77Ws may rotate to RUH...

[Evodesire]

Will PAL ever also order narrowbodies at least for the ageing domestic fleet?

[Arianespace]

JNC03 wrote

Even Cebu Pacific faces the same thing

So it seems CEB loses more.

Cebu Pacific Air has increased its dominant domestic market share this year, although it has also trimmed its international capacity in response to the fuel cost crisis that has hurt its financial performance. During its earnings call on Aug. 6, Cebu reported a loss of PHP5.5 billion ($90.4 million)...
https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/cebu-pacific-boosts-domestic-market-share-slips-loss

[seven13]

Arianespace wrote

Also predicted in this forum would happen is now happening.

By Oct25, PR will serve DXB using the B777 as well