PAL’s Winning Edge

The Manila Times
Friday September 11, 1998
TAKEOFFS

The deployment of younger domestic fleet by Philippine Airlines gives it the extra edge over the competition. PAL’s airplanes, averaging three and a half years old for the domestic fleet, offer passengers more seats and shippers more cargo space.

When PAL completes its fleet plan under the rehabilitation program, the domestic fleert shall consist of the medium-to-long-haul jet Airbus A330-300; the single-aisle A320-200; and the current domestic mainstay 737-300.

PAL’s new airplanes already represent a significant improvement against the former domestic fleet. For instance, the B737 carry 161 percent more passengers against the 54-seater Fokker 50 turboprops which are used on the missionary routes.

Moreover, there are 15 more seats in the A320 than the B737. The 320, known as the most popular single-aisle aircraft in its category, can even haul 20 tons more of cargo than the B737 and 25 tons more than Fokker 50.