PAL announces premium economy class as it bids to secure five-star rating

premium economy

Philippine Airlines is introducing a new Premium Economy class as an affordable and comfortable alternative to full business class.

ADVERTISEMENT

The new class is one of a series of product innovations being rolled out by the flag carrier airline in an ongoing bid to obtain a five-star quality service rating.

Premium Economy features a complete travel experience from priority check-in to extra-comfortable seats and an enhanced meal service. For international flights, the seats are in a private cabins on the airline’s Airbus A350 and selected A330 aircraft. 

Domestic passengers may also avail of upgraded service and extra-legroom seats on flights operated by A330, A321 Classic and Bombardier Q400 Net Generation aircraft.

ADVERTISEMENT

PAL president Jaime Bautista said that with the new Premium Economy class, “we are inviting our customers to enjoy an elevated level of comfort and convenience”.

The new feature is the result of ideas and positive feedback from a cross-section of PAL passengers on how to take the four-star airline to the next level.

Premium economy and much more…

Other improvements include a more advanced passenger service system that offers a smoother booking-to-boarding experience.

ADVERTISEMENT

The new IT system will allow passengers to benefit from greater convenience in booking reservations, ticketing, check-in and boarding processes.

The benefits include:

  • Easier booking and automated recognition of customer preferences
  • Faster check-in process
  • Improved online check-in experience
  • Smoother transfers to connecting flights on partner airlines
  • Real-time, personalised alerts for flight changes
  • Online Cash plus Miles redemption for Mabuhay Miles members (in addition to redemption at ticket offices and PAL hotline)
  • Year-round redemption of Mabuhay Miles for any seat and any fare
  • Convenient purchase of tickets along with ancillary services in one transaction

The upgrade to the new system will take place on the third week of March.

“We are looking forward to launching a more reliable and passenger-friendly system that is designed for the needs of our customers,” said Mr Bautista. 

“This system will serve as the technology-backbone of our business, and it follows naturally from the recent innovations and service upgrades that have won for PAL the four-star Global Airline Rating and the recognition as the World’s Most Improved Airline.”

Other recent innovations…

Other recent innovations include enhanced Business Class experience on long-haul flights; the introduction of faster and more convenient nonstop routes to New York, Auckland, Toronto, Sapporo, Brisbane and (by April 2019) New Delhi; improved meals and entertainment systems, a long-haul duvet service and cabin mood-lighting.

“We will not rest on our laurels,” said Mr Bautista. “Every Filipino traveller, every tourist visiting our homeland, every OFW and business person, deserves reliable quality service from the Philippines’ only global airline, and we are determined to carry on our transformation for the greater good of the flying public.”

Follow our Facebook page for daily news updates