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Philippine Airlines Emerges from Chapter 11 Reinvigorated for the Future

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/ ... the-Future

Another article from the Inquirer in regards to PAL exiting Chapter 11 in the states.

Poster Note: This article also outlines plans for PAL to return 20 planes to lessors/banks. Cutting the fleet down to 70 aircraft as part of the Chapter 11 restructuring.

https://business.inquirer.net/338004/pa ... cy-process

Official PAL press release regarding Chapter 11 exit:

https://palrecovery.com/wp-content/uplo ... _Final.pdf

Interesting tidbit too:

Restoring more routes and increasing flight frequencies as travel restrictions ease and borders reopen, including the resumption of regular flights to multiple cities in mainland China, full regularization of flights to Australia and the commencement of historic new services to Israel.

Looks like PAL is still committed to TLV, and maybe the PER launch?

Building on code sharing and interline partnerships to complement the airline’s current and future network and allow PAL passengers to enjoy better connections and access to more destinations through partner airlines.

This is going to be interesting to watch - hopefully they have more Europe/NA/AUS codeshares!

Philippine747 wrote:

Building on code sharing and interline partnerships to complement the airline’s current and future network and allow PAL passengers to enjoy better connections and access to more destinations through partner airlines.

This is going to be interesting to watch - hopefully they have more Europe/NA/AUS codeshares!

I'd say a good chance of an PR/AA codeshare arrangement going ahead - depending on UA's 'reported' spat with NAIA slot co-ordinators over a 2nd MNL slot.

Philippine747 wrote:

Official PAL press release regarding Chapter 11 exit:

https://palrecovery.com/wp-content/uplo ... _Final.pdf

Interesting tidbit too:

Restoring more routes and increasing flight frequencies as travel restrictions ease and borders reopen, including the resumption of regular flights to multiple cities in mainland China, full regularization of flights to Australia and the commencement of historic new services to Israel.

Looks like PAL is still committed to TLV, and maybe the PER launch?

Building on code sharing and interline partnerships to complement the airline’s current and future network and allow PAL passengers to enjoy better connections and access to more destinations through partner airlines.

This is going to be interesting to watch - hopefully they have more Europe/NA/AUS codeshares!

The question is there enough A21N remaining to operate PER? I've read only 3-4 will be keep while the remainder will be returned. Though so far non of the lessor have claim there aircraft yet or flew them out of the country!

The A32Ns were rotated between SYD and BNE regularly with the occasional MEL rotation pre-COVID. MEL was serviced by the Tri-Class A330s.
Would be interesting to see how PR will consolidate their Australian East Coast operations if PR were to look at adding PER to the network, which a move by PR to expand to PER I find to be unlikely IMO.

AB330 wrote:

Philippine747 wrote:

Official PAL press release regarding Chapter 11 exit:

https://palrecovery.com/wp-content/uplo ... _Final.pdf

Interesting tidbit too:

Restoring more routes and increasing flight frequencies as travel restrictions ease and borders reopen, including the resumption of regular flights to multiple cities in mainland China, full regularization of flights to Australia and the commencement of historic new services to Israel.

Looks like PAL is still committed to TLV, and maybe the PER launch?

Building on code sharing and interline partnerships to complement the airline’s current and future network and allow PAL passengers to enjoy better connections and access to more destinations through partner airlines.

This is going to be interesting to watch - hopefully they have more Europe/NA/AUS codeshares!

The question is there enough A21N remaining to operate PER? I've read only 3-4 will be keep while the remainder will be returned. Though so far non of the lessor have claim there aircraft yet or flew them out of the country!

Flightradar24 shows not all of the NEOs are active, but the four-door A21Ns are doing some MEL/SYD sectors and regional hops. The "SR" NEOs are doing Manila-Japan runs. Looks like there is still room to insert a PER service, unless there are some planning constraints. Another factor to consider is the return of POM to the network, the A21Ns will be needed for those flights too...

SCFlyer wrote:

Philippine747 wrote:

Building on code sharing and interline partnerships to complement the airline’s current and future network and allow PAL passengers to enjoy better connections and access to more destinations through partner airlines.

This is going to be interesting to watch - hopefully they have more Europe/NA/AUS codeshares!

I'd say a good chance of an PR/AA codeshare arrangement going ahead - depending on UA's 'reported' spat with NAIA slot co-ordinators over a 2nd MNL slot.

https://simpleflying.com/united-america ... =operanews

Interestingly, UA received 16 daily slots it requested at MNL in Dec; and AA/PR promptly re-filed a motion with the DOT to expedite approval for the codeshare. Once again, UA has chosen to continue its delaying tactics, saying that the slots are not in the exact times it want and that they should delay the approval.

US DOT Docket: https://www.regulations.gov/document/DO ... -0033-0005

It is clear that there should be more to all this than meets the eye. It will be interesting to see what UA’s JV partner NH decides to do with their PAL stake in the midst of all this spat. Since Star Alliance has openly admitted that they are not interested in recruiting PR, JL should seize the opportunity and bring the restructured PR into the oneworld territory along with AA.

onwFan wrote:

SCFlyer wrote:

Philippine747 wrote:

This is going to be interesting to watch - hopefully they have more Europe/NA/AUS codeshares!

I'd say a good chance of an PR/AA codeshare arrangement going ahead - depending on UA's 'reported' spat with NAIA slot co-ordinators over a 2nd MNL slot.

https://simpleflying.com/united-america ... =operanews

Interestingly, UA received 16 daily slots it requested at MNL in Dec; and AA/PR promptly re-filed a motion with the DOT to expedite approval for the codeshare. Once again, UA has chosen to continue its delaying tactics, saying that the slots are not in the exact times it want and that they should delay the approval.

US DOT Docket: https://www.regulations.gov/document/DO ... -0033-0005

It is clear that there should be more to all this than meets the eye. It will be interesting to see what UA’s JV partner NH decides to do with their PAL stake in the midst of all this spat. Since Star Alliance has openly admitted that they are not interested in recruiting PR, JL should seize the opportunity and bring the restructured PR into the oneworld territory along with AA.

NH only has minority stake in PAL and actually was decreased thanks to the restructuring. I personally feel JAL and AA would be more beneficial partners to PAL then NH. The only opposition would probably be CX

onwFan wrote:

SCFlyer wrote:

Philippine747 wrote:

This is going to be interesting to watch - hopefully they have more Europe/NA/AUS codeshares!

I'd say a good chance of an PR/AA codeshare arrangement going ahead - depending on UA's 'reported' spat with NAIA slot co-ordinators over a 2nd MNL slot.

https://simpleflying.com/united-america ... =operanews

Interestingly, UA received 16 daily slots it requested at MNL in Dec; and AA/PR promptly re-filed a motion with the DOT to expedite approval for the codeshare. Once again, UA has chosen to continue its delaying tactics, saying that the slots are not in the exact times it want and that they should delay the approval.

US DOT Docket: https://www.regulations.gov/document/DO ... -0033-0005

It is clear that there should be more to all this than meets the eye. It will be interesting to see what UA’s JV partner NH decides to do with their PAL stake in the midst of all this spat. Since Star Alliance has openly admitted that they are not interested in recruiting PR, JL should seize the opportunity and bring the restructured PR into the oneworld territory along with AA.

Edit: not 16 daily, should be 16 weekly slots, of course.

PAL released their first domestic and international timetable updates for the year last 5 January.

International:
MNL-HKG v.v. 4x weekly until 1 March (1x daily from that day). Passenger travel only allowed on HKG-MNL until 21 January 2021 due to entry restrictions into Hong Kong.
MNL-SGN v.v. 2x weekly from 14 Jan to 25 Feb, returning to 1x weekly afterwards.
LAX-CEB temporarily rerouted to Manila until 19 Jan. Service resumes 1x weekly until 11 March, then 2x weekly from 16 March. CEB-LAX still not available for booking.
MNL-HNL v.v. 2x weekly, 4x weekly from 3 March. 5x weekly from 5 to 26 March, reverting to 4x weekly afterwards.
SFO-MNL Cebu stop resumes from 19 February, every Saturday.

Domestic
MNL-BCD v.v. has 5x weekly service opb Mainline (PR1135/1136) from 5 to 15 January. Reverts to PALex after that date.
MNL-DPL v.v. now 12x weekly from 11 January. 2x daily from 2 March.
MNL-ILO v.v. has 1x daily service (PR1141/1142) opb Mainline until 31 January. Reverts to PALex after that date.
CEB-ILO v.v. increases to 2x weekly from 21 January to 25 February.
DVO-ILO v.v. increases to 2x weekly from 23 January to 27 February.
ILO-GES v.v. increases to 2x weekly from 21 January to 25 February.
CEB-ZAM v.v. increases to 3x weekly from 4 March.
ZAM-TWT v.v. increases to 3x weekly from 2 March.

Update to Reply #12, PR is temporarily cancelling certain flights in/out of Manila until the 16th. These cancellations affect Mainline and PALex operated flights.

From their post:

We continue to experience challenges in sustaining full operations because an increasing number of our frontline and support personnel are unable to report for work due to precautionary quarantine or self-isolation requirements.

We are taking the precaution of cancelling a number of PAL flights, even as our PAL teams do all we can to maintain as many other flights as possible, process all passenger requests and relieve the longer call waiting times and ticket office queues. We request your kind understanding we cope with these temporary challenges.

Philippine747 wrote:

Update to Reply #12, PR is temporarily cancelling certain flights in/out of Manila until the 16th. These cancellations affect Mainline and PALex operated flights.

From their post:

We continue to experience challenges in sustaining full operations because an increasing number of our frontline and support personnel are unable to report for work due to precautionary quarantine or self-isolation requirements.

We are taking the precaution of cancelling a number of PAL flights, even as our PAL teams do all we can to maintain as many other flights as possible, process all passenger requests and relieve the longer call waiting times and ticket office queues. We request your kind understanding we cope with these temporary challenges.

With the rising cases likely cause by the Omnicron variant we may see additional restrictions implemented in certain domestic destination. In my city there are rumors they may implement a mandatory 5 day quarantine for arriving travellers though its best to wait and see

Europe is now connected to Cebu, with Turkish Airlines serving the Philippine city on a one-stop, same-plane through service. The direct route operates from Istanbul Airport (on the European side of the Bosporus) to Cebu via Manila. It comes almost six years after Turkish Airlines added Manila to its network.

Operating outbound on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and inbound on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, the 6,035-mile (9,712km) service is scheduled as follows (all times are local). It uses 329-seat A350-900s, with 32 business seats and 297 in economy.

TK264: Istanbul-Manila; 21:15-13:30+1 the next day; Manila-Cebu: 15:05-16:25
TK265: Cebu-Manila: 02:25-03:45; Manila-Istanbul: 05:25-13:25

https://simpleflying.com/turkish-airline-cebu/

3507 has left CRK and is inbound to Malta

That leaves 3504 which will leave PAL with just two A350-900 3501 and 3508 at less for the next 4-5 years then the plans is they will be back and by that time PAL would be able to retired some of there older B77W planned for 2025-2026 respectively

Things have been very quiet on the airline front since the news of PR's exit from Chapter 11. Aren't there any whispers from the grapevine about exciting new developments?

From SkyscraperCity come a couple of photos showing the Skyway extension piers/heads turning left behind the billboard at NLEX just before the Balintawak Toll Plaza, purportedly heading towards NMIA in Bulakan.....

photos posted by: @MR. INFRABOY

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2672970/



https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2672968/

Hopefully, SMC would publish a detailed aerial survey of the exact alignment this gateway airport connector highway will take, soonest.


A few more pictures down from another person show the ongoing land reclamation operations in the area indicating that the project is still very much a GO despite the lack of coverage from mainstream media.

There are rumors that airlines in London are in talks with buying PAL's slots.

Updating from reply #12. PAL released a new timetable effective from the 21st. This schedule is highly subject to change, and here are some of the selected highlights:

Domestic
MNL-CGY v.v. to have Mainline service 7x weekly until 1-28 Feb, replacing some PALex service. Flights revert to PALex after 28 Feb. Additional 2x daily flights to resume from 1 February.
MNL-CEB v.v. operating 3x daily until 1 Feb. Service planned to increase to 6x daily from 1 Feb, then 10x daily from 1 March. Mainline operates all flights.
MNL-COT v.v. returns to 11x weekly from 1 Feb. 1x daily until that date.
MNL-DVO v.v. operating 28x weekly. 7x extra weekly flights to be added from 1 Feb.
MNL-DPL v.v. increases to 2x daily from 2 March
MNL-ILO v.v. has 1x daily Mainline service until 31 Jan. PR1141/1142 returns to PALex from 1 Feb.
MNL-KLO v.v. temporarily reduced to 5x weekly from 1-28 February.
MNL-LGP v.v. 2x daily, 3rd daily resumes 1 Feb.
CEB-BCD v.v. 4x weekly from 2 March.
ILO-GES v.v. temporary increase to 2x weekly from 4-25 February.
CEB-ILO v.v. temporary increase to 2x weekly from 4-25 February.

International
MNL-BKK v.v. temporarily suspended from 28 January. 1x weekly flights resume 7 March.
DXB-MNL continues to stop in SFS, CEB, and DVO on selected dates.
MNL-GUM v.v. increases to 3x weekly from 1 March (Manila dep).
MNL-HKG v.v. pax travel resumes from 6 February, 4x weekly until 25 February.
MNL-SGN v.v. increases to 2x weekly from 28 January.
MNL-CGK v.v. increases to 4x weekly from 7 March.
MNL-KUL v.v. increases to 4x weekly from 7 March.
MNL-LHR v.v. 1x weekly still scheduled until 22 March.
MNL-JFK v.v. 3x weekly still scheduled until 25 March.
ICN-MNL resumes 9 February. MNL-ICN not listed.
MNL-SIN v.v. returns to 1x daily from 1 March.
MNL-YYZ v.v. continues UFN, 1x weekly. 2x weekly until 30 Jan.
CEB-NRT v.v. operates 5/19 Feb. Planned service resumption is set for 5 March, 1x weekly.
MNL-TLV v.v. is not listed yet.

PAL is set to begin MNL-TLV service from April, using A350s. Flights are not yet listed on timetable, but are now bookable on their website for travel from at least 6 April. Flight schedule is:

PR686 MNL-TLV 2210-0415+ A359 We-Su
PR687 TLV-MNL 2145-1415+ A359 Mo-Th

https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-694286

Philippine747 wrote:

PAL is set to begin MNL-TLV service from April, using A350s. Flights are not yet listed on timetable, but are now bookable on their website for travel from at least 6 April. Flight schedule is:

PR686 MNL-TLV 2210-0415+ A359 We-Su
PR687 TLV-MNL 2145-1415+ A359 Mo-Th

https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-694286

Excellent. Are they offering promotional fares? Did you know that Philippine citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel. Isn't that great? How come Israel gave a free pass to Philippines on the visa?

Philippine747 wrote:

Updating from reply #12. PAL released a new timetable effective from the 21st. This schedule is highly subject to change, and here are some of the selected highlights:

MNL-JFK v.v. 3x weekly still scheduled until 25 March.
.[/u]

nice

Philippine747 wrote:

PAL is set to begin MNL-TLV service from April, using A350s. Flights are not yet listed on timetable, but are now bookable on their website for travel from at least 6 April. Flight schedule is:

PR686 MNL-TLV 2210-0415+ A359 We-Su
PR687 TLV-MNL 2145-1415+ A359 Mo-Th

https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-694286

Cheapest round trip Tickets for July are $1,000 which ain't cheap

SemperFidelis wrote:

There are rumors that airlines in London are in talks with buying PAL's slots.

Hmmn...does this mean PR is leaving London after all? Or could there be a discussion behind the scenes about PR using TLV as a jump-off point to LHR in the future, after the launch of their service to Israel that would obviate the need for the current slots? Might PR not trade those for different times?

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... nally.html

edealinfo wrote:

How come Israel gave a free pass to Philippines on the visa?

They're trying to attract more tourists to the Holy Land and probably think Filipinos are not a serious immigration risk. Load factors may not be very high.

edealinfo wrote:

Cheapest round trip Tickets for July are $1,000 which ain't cheap

Fuel prices are rising...and the longer southern track PR needs to reach TLV doesn't help. Throw in the increasing tension around PR's usual northern air route plus Israel's strict security measures and the costs of operating that flight add up pretty fast.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/ ... lines-woes

Devilfish wrote:

SemperFidelis wrote:

T
Fuel prices are rising...and the longer southern track PR needs to reach TLV doesn't help. Throw in the increasing tension around PR's usual northern air route plus Israel's strict security measures and the costs of operating that flight add up pretty fast.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/ ... lines-woes

They get to bypass Saudi Arabi completely! So, no need for an overfly exemption.

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=tlv-mnl&DU=nm

Devilfish wrote:

SemperFidelis wrote:

There are rumors that airlines in London are in talks with buying PAL's slots.

Hmmn...does this mean PR is leaving London after all? Or could there be a discussion behind the scenes about PR using TLV as a jump-off point to LHR in the future, after the launch of their service to Israel that would obviate the need for the current slots? Might PR not trade those for different times?

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... nally.html

At the moment, PAL still has Summer 2022 slots for Heathrow allocated according to the ACL website.

Philippine747 wrote:

Devilfish wrote:

SemperFidelis wrote:

There are rumors that airlines in London are in talks with buying PAL's slots.

Hmmn...does this mean PR is leaving London after all? Or could there be a discussion behind the scenes about PR using TLV as a jump-off point to LHR in the future, after the launch of their service to Israel that would obviate the need for the current slots? Might PR not trade those for different times?

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... nally.html

At the moment, PAL still has Summer 2022 slots for Heathrow allocated according to the ACL website.

Could possibly be leasing out the slots only. LHR slots are too precious to be sold.

Thats a lot of ground time in TLV (arr to dep). My bet is there will be an add-on to be added, either FCO or CDG maybe. With a four hour block time TLV-FCO and five from TLV-CDG, can a RT work within the current TLV schedule. I believe FCO bilateral requires nonstop MNL-Italy but that could be outdated (article from Phil Airspace Blogspot from a few years ago). Just great to hear about the link. Excited for PAL, for Israeli and Filipino tourists alike. Really antsy for Seattle to start, hopefully extending that to YYZ in lieu of a no traffic rights flight via YVR when they decide to finally cut the ULH flights.

edealinfo wrote:

They get to bypass Saudi Arabi completely! So, no need for an overfly exemption.

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=tlv-mnl&DU=nm

That GC Map link is the most direct routing...PR would need to follow available airways which usually take them past waypoints over the Suez Canal and down below Yemen and Oman (flying across the Earth's fat midriff). Recently though, overflights across the kingdom to TLV were allowed (idk anymore with the current air attacks).

https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/i ... 46.article

Philippine747 wrote:

At the moment, PAL still has Summer 2022 slots for Heathrow allocated according to the ACL website.

I did stress "future" in my post to give time for the TLV service to thrive or wither before giving up the LHR slots.

RoyalBrunei757 wrote:

Could possibly be leasing out the slots only. LHR slots are too precious to be sold.

Possible in case PR is only temporarily halting flights. Much depends on how badly they need the additional capital.

iflypal wrote:

Thats a lot of ground time in TLV (arr to dep). My bet is there will be an add-on to be added, either FCO or CDG maybe. With a four hour block time TLV-FCO and five from TLV-CDG, can a RT work within the current TLV schedule.

The goal when it was first broached was Spain - either BCN or MAD. Am not sure if CDG and FCO are still high on the list with the havoc wreaked by COVID on the cruise industry.

iflypal wrote:

Really antsy for Seattle to start, hopefully extending that to YYZ in lieu of a no traffic rights flight via YVR when they decide to finally cut the ULH flights.

Naturally, there's another angle to the SEA story......

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... n-mnl.html

El Kapitan seemed decided on keeping the ULH flights. It bears watching if YYZ would stop at SEA...that may ruffle local airlines' feathers on both sides. What's the trans-border passport/visa situation like presently?

Devilfish wrote:

iflypal wrote:

Really antsy for Seattle to start, hopefully extending that to YYZ in lieu of a no traffic rights flight via YVR when they decide to finally cut the ULH flights.

Naturally, there's another angle to the SEA story......

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... n-mnl.html

El Kapitan seemed decided on keeping the ULH flights. It bears watching if YYZ would stop at SEA...that may ruffle local airlines' feathers on both sides. What's the trans-border passport/visa situation like presently?

PR may follow SQ by launching a tringle route SIN-YVR-SEA-SIN using the A359

It seem in the short to medium term the B777-300ER will be taking over most of PAL long-haul network while the A350-900 could be used to served JFK

Guess it's time to acknowledge the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes to bring CRK T2 into full operational status.....

https://www.jewelchangiairport.com/cont ... rport.html



https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2694884/



https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2694885/



https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2694888/



https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2694890/



https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2694893/



https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2694886/

photos posted on SkyscraperCity by: @ajosh821

This weekend, the A350, RP-C3504 will leave PAL's fleet and be transferred to MUC, where it will be prepared for operation at LH.

New covered walkway leading to the bus station at CRK T2..... -- posted on SkyscraperCity by: @ajosh821

photo source: @Jam Aquino Regala - 01/28/2022

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/ ... g.2697066/

That ceiling is prone to quite a bit of weathering...hope the concrete walk is well above the ground and sloped generously to the sides. Won't the twin airport village pavilion be built soon -- or anymore Per some statements, full airport operation is due by the end of 2nd Quarter this year (minus the new ATC tower)

Recent news reports seem to indicate Philippines may be lifting quarantine rules for most arrivals. How would this affect capacity limits at MNL airport? Would PR increase flights accordingly?

AB330 wrote:

Devilfish wrote:

iflypal wrote:

Really antsy for Seattle to start, hopefully extending that to YYZ in lieu of a no traffic rights flight via YVR when they decide to finally cut the ULH flights.

Naturally, there's another angle to the SEA story......

http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/ ... n-mnl.html

El Kapitan seemed decided on keeping the ULH flights. It bears watching if YYZ would stop at SEA...that may ruffle local airlines' feathers on both sides. What's the trans-border passport/visa situation like presently?

PR may follow SQ by launching a tringle route SIN-YVR-SEA-SIN using the A359

It seem in the short to medium term the B777-300ER will be taking over most of PAL long-haul network while the A350-900 could be used to served JFK

What about partnerships?

I know there was talk of an AA codeshare. If they're doing SEA though, AS would seem a better option. Even better, they can always do both.

And I'm sure AS would be amenable. Anything to score points against DL in SEA.

Philippine Airlines president Gilbert Santa Maria is stepping down as president and COO of Philippine Airlines
PAL’s board of directors chaired by taipan Lucio Tan is set to meet on Monday, Jan. 31, and part of the agenda will be Santa Maria’s departure.

https://www.onenews.ph/articles/philipp ... pping-down

PAL insider who shared with Inquirer the news of Capt Ng's appointment said that his takeover was welcomed by the pilots as is the employees. The appointment is expected to be made offical in tomorrow's boar meeting
From InquirerBiz

https://twitter.com/InquirerBiz/status/ ... p7YXz8XkyQ

AB330 wrote:

Breaking Captain Stanley Kuya Ng appointed as replacement for outgoing Gilbert Santa Maria

https://twitter.com/InquirerBiz/status/ ... p7YXz8XkyQ

Best to wait and see tomorrow board meeting!

This can't be good. Not to cast a shade on the COO presumptive...but removing the guy who steered your airline through bankruptcy proceedings and responsible for its early exit from Chapter 11 - hints of a wide rift within at best and smacks of ingratitude at worst. Maybe the big stakeholders are sore that they were not given a free pass on the obligations largely of their own making -- or feel they deserved more slack. Either way, this might be the beginning of the end for PAL as we know it, hopefully for the best. No wonder they're consolidating everything in 2P...could they be thinking of handing him its presidency as a reward instead? But that would be viewed as a demotion, wouldn't it?

BangersAndMash wrote:

I know there was talk of an AA codeshare. If they're doing SEA though, AS would seem a better option. Even better, they can always do both.

With the above development, everything may grind to a standstill.

Devilfish wrote:

This can't be good. Not to cast a shade on the COO presumptive...but removing the guy who steered your airline through bankruptcy proceedings and responsible for its early exit from Chapter 11 - hints of a wide rift within at best and smacks of ingratitude at worst. Maybe the big stakeholders are sore that they were not given a free pass on the obligations largely of their own making -- or feel they deserved more slack. Either way, this might be the beginning of the end for PAL as we know it, hopefully for the best. No wonder they're consolidating everything in 2P...could they be thinking of handing him its presidency as a reward instead? But that would be viewed as a demotion, wouldn't it?

What makes you think he was booted out it seem more likely he left on his own accord and reading the article it has been discuss for at less a week within the airline

I won't speculated for his reason for leaving PAL though it is surprising he left so soon after PAL restructuring.

Updating from reply #19/20:

PAL has released their newest timetable effective 28 January.

International:
MNL-BKK v.v. resumed, 3x weekly, 4x weekly from 7 March
MNL-ICN resumes on 2 March, 4x weekly v.v.
MNL-MEL v.v. increases to 2x weekly from 4 February
MNL-TLV v.v. not listed yet.

Domestic
PALex takes over some flights from Mainline on MNL-CEB/DVO v.v. until the end of January
CEB-BXU v.v. 1x daily from 4 March from 4x weekly
CEB-CGY v.v. temporarily reduced to 5x weekly from 7x weekly 1 February-1 March
CEB-IAO v.v. resumption postponed to 1 March
CEB-MPH v.v. temporarily suspended until 1 March
CEB-DVO v.v. 8x weekly from 6 March
CEB-ZAM v.v. increases to 3x weekly from 2x weekly from 4 March
MNL-IAO v.v. resumption now on 6 February
MNL-TAG v.v. 2nd daily flight resumes 1 March
ZAM-TWT v.v. now 3x weekly from 2 March

AB330 wrote:

What makes you think he was booted out it seem more likely he left on his own accord and reading the article it has been discuss for at less a week within the airline. I won't speculated for his reason for leaving PAL though it is surprising he left so soon after PAL restructuring.

Guess am not alone in my view.....

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/ ... -continues

Quote:
"The whole process was not without challenges, insiders say, and to have done it was quite a feat given that shareholders and stakeholders agreed and supported it; there were no labor strikes like what the company faced in the past; there was no government bailout, and there were no disruption in operations related to the Chapter 11 filing.

Credit goes to PAL management and its employees.

Given this milestone, I really can’t help but wonder why Santa Maria would choose to leave the company at this time. Did some quarters disagree with his management style? Is there somebody interested in his position? Or did some shareholders realize they didn’t want a professional executive? Or did Santa Maria simply feel he had done his job and that it was time to move on? "


Indeed it is unexpected that he would depart immediately after pulling PAL from the brink of liquidation. This may be an 'archaic concept' for some, but one with a keen sense of 'delicadeza' wouldn't wait to be shown the door soon as he feels he has outstayed his welcome. Apparently, "strong differences in opinion" were such if the matter was already being discussed at length. Hopefully, the person who will get to oversee PR's continued restructuring would be of similar mettle. It is vital so the change wouldn't adversely affect the covenants already made -- and ensure the success of the plan.

Devilfish wrote:

Guess am not alone in my view.....

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/ ... -continues

Quote:
"The whole process was not without challenges, insiders say, and to have done it was quite a feat given that shareholders and stakeholders agreed and supported it; there were no labor strikes like what the company faced in the past; there was no government bailout, and there were no disruption in operations related to the Chapter 11 filing.

Credit goes to PAL management and its employees.

Given this milestone, I really can’t help but wonder why Santa Maria would choose to leave the company at this time. Did some quarters disagree with his management style? Is there somebody interested in his position? Or did some shareholders realize they didn’t want a professional executive? Or did Santa Maria simply feel he had done his job and that it was time to move on? "


Indeed it is unexpected that he would depart immediately after pulling PAL from the brink of liquidation. This may be an 'archaic concept' for some, but one with a keen sense of 'delicadeza' wouldn't wait to be shown the door soon as he feels he has outstayed his welcome. Apparently, "strong differences in opinion" were such if the matter was already being discussed at length. Hopefully, the person who will get to oversee PR's continued restructuring would be of similar mettle. It is vital so the change wouldn't adversely affect the covenants already made -- and ensure the success of the plan.

Rumors are saying he tendered his resignation on December 17 which is even before the NY Court ruled on C11 exit for PAL. He did asked nicely LT to let him go apparently to save the company more cash from his services.

Wished he stayed a bit longer though. But guess he has plans outside of the airline industry

As for the new guy he is the husband of LT's daughter Lilly Beth Tan Ng, who is also a pilot for PAL I'm hoping they will continue what GSM left behind and remove those farts in management. I agree with GSM that PAL can no longer as though we are still in the 80's era.

Posted by @ajosh821 on SkyscraperCity -- one of the new jetbridges international passengers at CRK T2 will use when full commercial operations commence there.....

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZYoOG6JE85 ... 06af04674b

This got me thinking...LT could renovate NAIA T1 extensively and transfer PAL's diminished operations entirely under one roof if 5J would move to CRK and current international users of NAIA T1 take over 5J's vacated spaces at T3. The ongoing road building around the C-5 area keeps the taipan's mixed-use projects within easy reach of the airport...and the LRT-1 extension southward would be up and running shortly giving travelers convenient access to his major community developments there. As it looks now, NMIA is still a long time away yet and for another 10 years of use, refurbishing NAIA T1 would be worth the expense and effort.

Devilfish wrote:

Posted by @ajosh821 on SkyscraperCity -- one of the new jetbridges international passengers at CRK T2 will use when full commercial operations commence there.....

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZYoOG6JE85 ... 06af04674b

This got me thinking...LT could renovate NAIA T1 extensively and transfer PAL's diminished operations entirely under one roof if 5J would move to CRK and current international users of NAIA T1 take over 5J's vacated spaces at T3. The ongoing road building around the C-5 area keeps the taipan's mixed-use projects within easy reach of the airport...and the LRT-1 extension southward would be up and running shortly giving travelers convenient access to his major community developments there. As it looks now, NMIA is still a long time away yet and for another 10 years of use, refurbishing NAIA T1 would be worth the expense and effort.

Unlikely 5J sees MNL as ther main cash cow when it comes to domestic ops though opening a hub at CRK is likely for future expansion when slots at MNL diminish and likely go up due to there value. Though I agreed it would be best for PAL to transfer there International flights at T1 while T2 be used for domestic flight for both PAL and GAP

Are there plans to expanded T1?

HJM wrote:

Recent news reports seem to indicate Philippines may be lifting quarantine rules for most arrivals. How would this affect capacity limits at MNL airport? Would PR increase flights accordingly?

Well, this piece from Simple Flying seems to have it covered.....

https://simpleflying.com/philippines-border-reopens/

AB330 wrote:

As for the new guy he is the husband of LT's daughter Lilly Beth Tan Ng, who is also a pilot for PAL

So much so that El Kapitan himself "asked" the rank and file to rally behind his son-in-law.....

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/ ... stanley-ng

AB330 wrote:

Unlikely 5J sees MNL as ther main cash cow when it comes to domestic ops though opening a hub at CRK is likely for future expansion when slots at MNL diminish and likely go up due to there value.

5J can still make big money (maybe more) even if they hub at CRK now, as they won't be encumbered by the limitations of MNL. They would be free to expand at CRK and could just fly their NCR O&D customers direct to MNL exclusively, that is, until NAIA is ultimately closed.

AB330 wrote:

Though I agreed it would be best for PAL to transfer there International flights at T1 while T2 be used for domestic flight for both PAL and GAP

Split operations in such a small airport is a pain...it may be better to simply let the smaller domestic and regional LCCs enjoy the Centennial Terminal for a change. They could leave the old T4 for charter operators' use if MIAA is not going to tear it down.

AB330 wrote:

Are there plans to expanded T1?

None that I know of anymore...the most would probably be cosmetic changes. The improvements won't be wasted, LTG could repurpose T1, or MIAA could lease it out to others for adapted reuse. The worst that could happen is if the government decided to demolish it. I don't think a new terminal at NAIA woud be built either, especially with the pandemic still around and the possibility of NMIA coming on line in the near future looming.

AB330 wrote:

3507 has left CRK and is inbound to Malta

That leaves 3504 which will leave PAL with just two A350-900 3501 and 3508 at less for the next 4-5 years then the plans is they will be back and by that time PAL would be able to retired some of there older B77W planned for 2025-2026 respectively

Is that a guess?

Or is it certain that Lufthansa will return the aircraft to PAL after 5 years?

A359bw wrote:

AB330 wrote:

3507 has left CRK and is inbound to Malta

That leaves 3504 which will leave PAL with just two A350-900 3501 and 3508 at less for the next 4-5 years then the plans is they will be back and by that time PAL would be able to retired some of there older B77W planned for 2025-2026 respectively

Is that a guess?

Or is it certain that Lufthansa will return the aircraft to PAL after 5 years?

PAL could not simply terminate there agreement with lessor if they do then they would seek compensation for early termination of there agreement or disrupt the Court case for C11 in New York. It also seem LH has some intrest or stake in PAL could be due them being the largest customer for Lufthansa Technick Philippines LTP which LT Group has majority control too. Its a weird agreement though not uncommon with PAL same happend in the 1990 I believed with the A320-200 which where delivered to different airlines like US Airways and Iberia. But eventually flew with PAL in the mid-2000's.

Mr Gilbert Sta Maria: Clearer picture of what happened

https://simpleflying.com/philippine-air ... 1644299070

Bobby27ph wrote:

Mr Gilbert Sta Maria: Clearer picture of what happened

So, the cat is finally out of the bag? It seems it's not only PR that's seeing a changing of the guards.....

https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/ ... al-express


Over at BIA, a FB link showing the new jetbridges for the terminal was posted on SkyscraperCity by @Jeybi. So far so good...



Meanwhile, MNL-TLV air services move closer to reality.....

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022 ... rtificates

Bobby27ph wrote:

Mr Gilbert Sta Maria: Clearer picture of what happened

https://simpleflying.com/philippine-air ... 1644299070

Intresting read I've been curious how much power the COO to run PAL his or her decision will always be undermind by the CEO which for along time has been LT.

However LT is old and I do belived PAL needs fresh blood in the thrown its only a matter of time not if that LT will need to step down and let others take the seat no doubt it will be one of his sons.