MANILA — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday announced that its direct flights between Manila and New York will begin on October 29.
“Tourists and balikbayans based in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut states will now find it easier and more convenient to visit the Philippines,” spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said on a social media post.
“Prior to the new PAL service, Manila-bound passengers had to go through intermediate stop-overs in Canada, the US West Coast, or airports in other Asian countries, usually by connecting from one flight to another,” she added.
The 16-hour nonstop flight will use PAL’s brand new Airbus A350-900.
PAL earlier expressed its plan to use the A350 in long-haul flights, since it can fly up to 8,000 nautical miles.
The airline said the A350’s cabin is quieter compared with other aircraft, as it uses a design and technology that reduce the noise by up to four times. Moreover, all its passenger seats have personal TV screens, and passengers will be given free wi-fi access, subject to time and volume caps.
PAL has ordered six brand new A350s, and expects to complete the units within the next year and a half.
Villaluna shared the following flight frequencies:
* Oct. 29 to Nov. 3 – Manila to New York; four times a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
* Oct. 30 to Nov. 5 – New York to Manila; four times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
She said PAL will add another flight frequency every Thursday for its New York to Manila route starting December 13. -PNA
