RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Mas lalawak ang lipad ng Philippine Airlines (PAL) matapos makatanggap ng imbitasyon para sumali sa oneworld Alliance, isa sa pinakamalaking global airline networks sa mundo.
Opisyal na inanunsyo ang imbitasyon nitong June 6 sa International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting sa Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Kapag natuloy ang pagpasok, magiging ika-16 member airline ang PAL ng oneworld Alliance.
Magiging pangalawa rin itong full member airline na nakabase sa Southeast Asia, kasunod ng Malaysia Airlines.
Para sa mga pasahero, ang ibig sabihin nito ay mas malawak na global network. Sakop ng oneworld ang halos 1,000 destinations sa mahigit 170 countries and territories.
Ayon sa PAL, malaking hakbang ito sa pagpapalawak ng global reach ng flag carrier habang ipinagdiriwang nito ang ika-85 taon.
Ang domestic at regional network ng PAL ay inaasahang magpapalakas sa footprint ng oneworld sa Southeast Asia at magbubukas ng panibagong links papunta sa mahahalagang destinasyon sa Pilipinas.
Bukod sa mas malawak na access, inaasahan ding magdadala ang partnership ng mas malakas na presence ng PAL sa global market, dagdag passenger flows, mas pinahusay na loyalty offerings, at mas mahusay na operations.
“This is a defining and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines,” ani PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III.
“Becoming a member of the oneworld Alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia’s representation within the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before. Together with our partners, we will deliver greater choice, consistent journeys, and a world-class travel experience that reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”
Sinabi naman ni Robert Isom, American Airlines chief executive officer at chairman ng oneworld Governing Board, na mahalaga ang pagpasok ng PAL sa network.
“PAL’s entry into oneworld supports our long-term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region,” ani Isom.
“The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network,” dagdag niya.
Ayon naman kay Ole Orvér, oneworld chief executive officer, tugma ang PAL sa premium travel experience na dala ng alliance.
“Philippine Airlines is a globally respected carrier with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service that aligns with oneworld’s reputation for delivering a premium experience across the travel journey,” ani Orvér.
“This decision is an endorsement of oneworld, and its global customer offering. We look forward to welcoming Philippine Airlines into the alliance.”
Para sa passengers, inaasahang magiging mas seamless ang biyahe dahil sa mas efficient transfers, mas maayos na schedules, at access sa premium lounges at services sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo.
Kabilang sa current member airlines ng oneworld ang Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, at SriLankan Airlines.
Makikinabang din ang mga miyembro ng Mabuhay Miles ng PAL.
Sa pagpasok ng PAL sa oneworld, magkakaroon sila ng expanded global benefits, kabilang ang ability na kumita at i-redeem ang miles sa lahat ng oneworld member airlines.
Ang top-tier customers ng PAL ay magkakaroon din ng oneworld Priority privileges at access sa mahigit 700 premium airport lounges worldwide.
Ang eligible passengers naman ay magkakaroon ng access sa exclusive oneworld advantages gaya ng First Class lounges at dedicated First Class check-in areas. /Bistado