PAL passes US airport security protocols

by Ariel Fernandez, MB

The Philippine Airlines (PAL) has passed a quality control inspection conducted by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (US TSA).

In a statement, PAL said the inspection includes how it handles airport operations that cover passenger and baggage handling as well as catering procedures.

“Our airline remains compliant with all requirements for our flights between Manila and the United States, as with other routes. The men and women of our flag carrier shall continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and security to protect the flying public,” said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng. 

The inspection was conducted by the US TSA from August 11 to 12 this year.

PAL operates regular flights from Manila to U.S. destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, New York and Guam.

Ng said they continue to collaborate with the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in order to enhance the security and safety posture of the Philippines’ main airport gateway.

“We continue to liaise with local and foreign regulators to invariably manage and prepare for risks arising from identified vulnerabilities and evolving and emerging threats,” he said.

PAL resumes operations

By Benjamin L. Vergaram, Manila Times

Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday said it has resumed full operations at its Manila hub as the weather has improved.

PAL said flights to and from Manila will operate today, September 26, except for those previously cancelled.

"Some flights may need to be delayed or adjusted. It will take some time to restore normal schedules even after the typhoon recedes and weather improves," it said in a statement.

The flag carrier needs to reposition aircraft that were held back or diverted to other airports, and adjust schedules based on revised slots and clearances in affected airports in coordination with aviation authorities.

"PAL will keep a close watch on the weather situation at Metro Manila and the central and northern Philippines, as heavy rainfall may continue to affect certain areas. Our main concern is safety, and we may need to cancel or adjust flights if required for safety reasons related to weather conditions," it said.

PAL advised passengers who have flights to or from Manila and other affected areas to check the status of their journey by logging on to www.philippineairlines.com and click the "Flight Status" icon on the main page, and then fill in the flight number (without the "PR" or "2P" designation, just the number itself) and date of departure.

The flight's status is updated in real time.

Turbulence injures PAL passengers, crew

By Benjamin L. Vergara

AT least 12 people were rushed to hospital on Sunday night after Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR113 encountered severe turbulence two hours before its arrival in Manila from Los Angeles.

PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna confirmed that nine passengers and three crew members were injured.

Villaluna said that as of August 29, one passenger remained confined at the hospital.

She said that PAL shouldered the medical expenses of the affected passengers, most of whom were seniors.

Villaluna said that "upon arrival of the flight in Manila at 10:30 p.m. [on] August 28, the injured passengers and crew were brought immediately to the hospital by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport medical team, accompanied by PAL ground staff."

"This turbulence was not detectable on the aircraft's onboard weather radar station system, hence there was no advance warning. We affirm that safety is our top priority and that Philippine Airlines is fully cooperating with the concerned airport and aviation authorities," Villaluna said.

A passenger who posted his experience on Facebook said that the injured were not wearing seat belts when the incident happened.

The passenger identified as George Angel, also said, "[The] pilot did not even warn passengers of turbulence."

Turbulence can be caused by many different conditions — wind, storms, jet steam and objects near the plane, such as mountain ranges.

PAL plane skids off runway; several flights diverted

PLANE TROUBLE. A Philippine Airlines plane skids off the runaway at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City on a rainy Friday morning, Dec. 10, 2021. No one was harmed during the incident. 

AT LEAST 34 flights to and from Cebu have been diverted or cancelled after a Philippine Airlines flight from Caticlan, Aklan skidded off the runway upon arrival Friday, December 10, 2021.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) confirmed this, saying the wheels of PAL flight PR 2369 veered into the grass at the side edge of the runway as it arrived from Caticlan, Aklan around 11:40 a.m. It was raining at the time.

GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. spokesperson Edilyth Maribojoc said the plane encountered the issue during the landing.

All the 29 passengers and four crew members on the plane were safe and were taken to Terminal 1.

The aircraft was retrieved and cleared from the runway at 2:18 p.m., said Maribojoc. The runway was opened for operations at 2:38 p.m., she added.

PAL issued an apology over the incident.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the partial blockage of the runway,” it said in a statement.

PAL said its operations teams assisted the passengers and promised to provide assistance.

The airline carrier said safety is its top priority and it is fully cooperating with the airport and aviation authorities conducting an investigation on the incident. (FVQ, JOB)

A woman is flying the plane: Female pilot breaks stereotype

by Czarina Nicole Ong Ki, Manila Bulletin

Second Officer Alyanna Arañez is a registered nurse who pursued her dream to be a pilot.

She wanted to be a pilot since she was in high school because she loved traveling, meeting people, and trying new cuisines.

Some passengers would ask for their photos to be taken with her to show their children that women are now flying planes.

Seeing families reunited in the airports is what tells her that she had done a good job.

When flying was disrupted during the lockdowns, she designed silk and cotton sleepwear and sold them online.  The merchandise is selling very well.

There is an undeniable stereotype in the aviation industry where pretty girls are flight attendants and the men are pilots.

But female pilots are slowly breaking the stereotype. One of them is  Alyanna Alexandria H. Arañez, 28.

Arañez wanted to be a pilot ever since she was in high school. Because her mom used to be a flight attendant, she was exposed to the aviation culture early on and she was used to travelling.

The fast-paced life excited her. Exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying out different cuisines were something that she wanted to do for a living. Instead of following her mother’s footsteps, Arañez wanted to carve her own path.

That path led her to being known in her workplace as Second Officer Alyanna Arañez.

But this woman may have broken more than just the stereotype of a pilot’s gender.  She is also a registered nurse.  But since she felt that flying is in her blood, after graduating from college, she bravely pursued her dream of becoming a pilot and entered the Philippine Airlines Aviation School.

“I feel like my personality is more fit to be a pilot,” she said. “I wanted to be in control. It’s also about service to the people. They might not see me at all times during the flight, but I serve them by making sure that I do my best in bringing them safely to where they need to be.”

She said she gets her confirmation of a job well done when she sees families reunited and hugging each other in the airports.

Arañez said being a pilot is a demanding job, but she took on all the challenges with gusto. In school, she studied hard because good grades were crucial to being accepted as a pilot. Arañez also discovered that the studying never stops because pilots are constantly learning new skills and updating their techniques.

“We always have to be at our best. We must be mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared every flight,” she said.

Arañez admitted that she was not the smartest among her peers. But there was one thing that made all the difference in her career: “I was determined,” she said. “Whatever you put your mind, heart, and soul into, you can achieve.”

She soon discovered that being a pilot was not all fun and excitement.  It also demanded personal sacrifices.  “Sometimes I don’t get to celebrate special life events with my family due to my schedule. I miss out on birthdays and Christmas,” she said.

When asked if her gender ever became a hindrance in her career, Arañez shook her head. “Luckily, I am blessed to be able to work in an environment that encourages gender equality and women empowerment,” she said.

In fact, Arañez has observed that being a female pilot actually inspires people as she would often get encouraging smiles and nods from disembarking passengers.

FEMALE PILOT IS ALSO A NURSE. – Second Officer Alyanna Arañez is actually a registered nurse, but flying is in her blood. After graduating from college, she pursued her dream of becoming a pilot and entered the Philippine Airlines Aviation School.

“It’s the 21st century,” she said. “People are more than excited to see women taking over the skies. There were instances when passengers would ask to have a photo taken with me so they can show it to their children.”

When the pandemic broke out, Arañez’s job was affected and she had more personal time than she was used to. Not one to do nothing, the young pilot stepped into a completely new territory – online business.

From the skies to online

Since people were spending more time at home, Arañez realized the value of comfortable sleepwear and loungewear. She knew people wanted to feel good about themselves even when stuck at home, so she launched @thegoodsleepcoph, where she offers pretty silk or bamboo cotton pajama sets.

Arañez was surprised by the feedback she received for her products. “I do a happy dance for every purchase made by my customers!” she gushed.

Now that the aviation industry is slowly getting back on its feet, Arañez finds herself busier as she juggles time between career and her business. But she is not complaining.

“The pandemic gave me more time to expand my creative side. I really do enjoy conceptualizing my business. I have something to look forward to since I’m continually learning how a business.

PAL reminds arriving passengers of revised quarantine protocols starting Feb. 1

by Richa Noriega, Manila Bulletin

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) reminded arriving passengers to observe the revised quarantine protocols in line with the latest resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) starting Feb. 1.

((JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN))

The government has imposed conditions on some foreign nationals allowed entry into the country, including having valid and existing visas as well as COVID-19 testing at a quarantine facility on the sixth day from their date of arrival.

PAL urged the passengers to register on the Electronic Case Investigation Form (e-CIF) as early as three days before their flight to Manila.

The airline encouraged non-Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to pre-book a hotel accredited by tourism and health agencies for a six-night accommodation.

Passengers are also advised to present their QR code, Affidavit of Undertaking, and the Traze App. In addition, the sign the declaration and waiver form indicating that they are healthy and fit to travel.

Upon the arrival, passengers must accomplish the health declaration form, arrival card, and Bureau of Customs (BoC) form.

On the sixth day of quarantine, the RT-PCR testing will be administered.

If the passenger tests positive, an assessment will be made by the quarantine officer to determine the appropriate next steps.

A passenger who tests negative may obtain the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) medical certificate via quarantinecertificate.com. by emailing the BoQ.

PAL said at any point from day of arrival until Day 5, passengers showing symptoms shall inform their hotel of their condition.

The hotel shall inform the health agency for assessment, medical management and testing.

Once the passengers are cleared, they may call up relatives or local government units (LGU) to pick them up or arrange their transportation.

OFWs may contact the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or their local manning agencies.

“Please complete your 14-day quarantine or self-isolation under the monitoring of your local government unit (LGU) or Barangay Health Emergency Response Team,” PAL added.

Flight times getting longer?

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Times

EVER wondered why flight times seem to be getting longer? Yes, I do. Checking my last ticket Davao-Manila-Davao and remembering some  real flight times from the past, I wonder why.  I learned from BBC-author Kathryn B. Creedy, that it’s called "padding", a phenomenon that helps airlines arrive on time – but at a cost.

My previous flight back to Davao from Manila one hour twenty minutes. My ticket showed a "flight-time" of exactly 2 hours. I guess, it’s a secret the airlines don’t want you to know about, especially given the spillover effects for the environment.

Padding is the extra time airlines allow themselves to fly from A to B. Because these flights were consistently late, airlines have now baked delays experienced for decades into their schedules instead of improving operations. It might seem innocuous enough to the passenger – after all, what it can mean is that even though you take off late, you’re pleasantly surprised to arrive on time at your destination. Remember the final arrival announcement by the smiling stewardess last time?

Kathryn Creedy is right in saying that however, this global trend poses multiple problems: not only does your journey take longer but creating the illusion of punctuality means there’s no pressure on airlines to become more efficient, meaning congestion and carbon emissions will keep rising.

“On average, over 30% of all flights arrive more than 15 minutes late every day despite padding,” says Captain Michael Baiada, president of aviation consultancy ATH Group citing the US Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report. The figure used to be 40% but padding – not operational improvements – boosted on-time arrival rates. “By padding, airlines are gaming the system to fool you.”

So, how late is late? The ultimate goal is ‘A0’, or arrival at the gate exactly on time. If a flight is early or late, it can disrupt several other things – like gate availability and airport capacity.

To be fair, global airlines have invested billions of dollars in technologies to enable more efficient flight paths, according to industry body Airlines for America. But this has not moved the needle on delays, which are stubbornly stuck at 30%.

A lot of different things can cause a delay but Baiada believes 80% of the factors involved – like schedule, airport arrival flow queueing, aircraft availability, gate availability, maintenance and crew legality – are within the airlines’ control. But to date they have left it to air traffic control to remedy once planes are in the air.

Another option could be to reduce the number of flights – but airline flight schedules are designed to meet buyer demand. So, if there were fewer flights, fares would increase.

Well, should we give up and telling ourselves: better late than never? So what does all this mean for passengers? With airlines gaming the system, as it stands, flight times will likely increase as more and more planes take to the skies.

Fact is also that many airlines will try to make it tricky for passengers to get an eligible claim accepted. The tactic of extending flight times is yet another way to decrease a passenger’s chance of filing a claim and getting financially compensated for the hassle they have gone through.

Better late then never? I guess so.

Philippine Airlines becomes Philippines' first 4-star airline

ABS-CBN News

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The Philippine Airlines has been certified as a 4-star airline by Skytrax, a London-based international air transport rating organization.

MANILA - Philippine Airlines has been certified as the country's first 4-star airline, the flag carrier said Thursday.

PAL joined 42 other 4-star airlines on the list of Skytrax, a London-based international air transport rating organization.

"PAL achieved this coveted rating after Skytrax conducted a rigorous audit of the airline's inflight and on ground service for both international and domestic flights and noted major enhancements on its end-to-end passenger experience and distinct whole-hearted service called Buong Pusong Alaga," the flag carrier said in a statement.

PAL chairman and chief executive officer Lucio Tan called the accreditation a "big win for the Philippines."

“We are elated by this recognition which is a victory for the more than seven thousand members of the Philippine Airlines family. Our achievement is the country's achievement and we share this with all Filipinos around the globe," Tan said in a statement.

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said the rating "recognizes the great improvements that the airline has introduced over the last 2 years."

"New and retrofitted aircraft have played an important part in the quality improvement process, and this looks set to develop further when Philippine Airlines introduces the A350 into their fleet. We look for consistency of quality in the 4-Star rating, and we look to Philippine Airlines to ensure this is duly delivered to customers," he said.

PAL placed 67th in Skytrax's Top 100 Airlines in 2017, a 16-notch increase from its 83rd place in 2016.

European Commission Lifts Ban on all Philippine Airlines

Rappler.com

Published 8:09 PM, June 25, 2015

Updated 9:41 PM, June 25, 2015

BAN LIFTED. The European Commission will now allow Philippine carriers to fly in European airspace. File photo by Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – All local airlines can now enter the European airspace, joining national flag carrierPhilippine Airlines (PAL) and budget carrier Cebu Pacific. (READ: PH carriers to know by July if they can fly to Europe)

The European Commission (EC) announced on Thursday, June 25, that all airlines certified in the Philippines have been taken out from the European Union Air Safety List due the tight oversight being conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Removed from the list were PAL Express (formerly Air Philippines Corporation), Cebu Pacific’s Cebgo (formerly Tiger Airways Philippines and Southeast Asian Airlines);Air Asia Incorporated; Air Asia Zest; Island Aviation Incorporated; Magnum Air Incorporated (Skyjet); and South East Asian Airlines International Incorporated (Seair-I).

“After 5 years of hard work, we are finally able to release the airlines certified in the Philippines from the European Air Safety List. The Philippines is an important country with a sizeable and rapidly growing aviation sector,” said Violeta Bulc, European Union commissioner for transport.

“Today’s result can serve as an example for other countries which have difficulty to match their safety oversight capabilities with the growth of their industry,” she said.

Opportunities

The lifting of the ban would allow and encourage Europeans to tap the services of the Philippine carriers when travelling to the Philippines or to other countries, said CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio.

The decision comes after a 5-man EU safety assessment team gave a positive review of the airlines following a series of inspections in April.

This led to the suspension of the operations of Skyjet and Seair last May 15 due to safety issues.

The suspension of Skyjet and Seair was lifted last June 7.

While the 7 carriers largely service only domestic and Asian routes, Apolonio said the EU decision will still benefit them.

Previously, European insurance companies would not cover people who flew on airlines on the EU Air Safety List, he said.

"European tourists will be encouraged to use low-cost carriers in the Philippines now," boosting the number of visitors who will want to fly around the archipelago, Apolonio told Agence France-Presse.

PAL now flies to London and is planning to add more European destinations, while Cebu Pacific is applying to fly to Italy.

Lubomir Frebort, EU chargè d’ affaires, congratulated CAAP for overseeing the operations of airlines operating in the Philippines.

“Within this period of time, the Philippines was able to get full lifting from the ban due to CAAP’s openness to improve its oversight functions, complemented by readiness of Philippine air carriers to enhance their own safety and operation standards,” Frebort said. – Rappler.com, with a report from Agence France-Presse

Up, Up and Away

Re-published column of mine in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR dated March 14,2014 with friendly permission of my publisher Marietta F. Siongco.

I think, I was at the age of 11 or so, when my first trip by plane took me to Holland. Later, I joined several journeys with German Foreign Aid, International YMCA and other institutions. For the first time, in 1976, I stepped on Philippine soil - just for two days only before heading to Japan. Of course (!), I flew with Philippine Airlines.

Since experiencing several negativism with other airlines during the 1980s, I kept on flying with flag carrier PAL - though really many times PLANE was ALWAYS LATE. A trip back from Davao to Manila could become a nightmare. Several times I missed by international connecting flight.

But I enjoyed the "Mabuhay Miles" as frequent flyer, especially when I observed that PAL has lowered the redemption values on selected PAL international and domestic flights. I also enjoyed treats while taking my pleasure in the comfort and luxury at selected hotels in Hong Kong or Singapore,

Today, while writing this piece, the MIRROR headlines, that PAL Express, sister company of this country's flag carrier, begins suspending most of its inter-islands domestic flights across Visayas and Mindanao. As MIRROR readers could learn via Judy Quiros' article: the Davao-Manila-Davao flights will be the only one that would remain. PAL for its part said the move is also seen to improve PAL's performance, because it is expected to save about $300 million in operating costs annually. Let's wait and see, how the improvement of PAL's performance looks like.

Sometine 2010, reports said already, that PAL mentioned weak passengerdemand mainly pulled down revenues to $1.36 billion. During that time, the airline assured stockholders and the public that it continued to look for ways of improving its financial condition and results of operations. It seems, that Philippine Airlg to ines is still on a long way from sustainable profitability.

By the way: the country's leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific took delivery of its third brandnew Airbus 330 aircraft being on service for Cebu and Davao guests especially during the now summer season. It's amazing to learn, that Cebu Pacific strengthens its domestic network with additional daily frequences from Manila to Bacolod, Zamboanga and other dometic destinations. Here is the thing: Airbus' fuel-saving technology allows to keep fares low. Just to mention one reason ... .

One more thing: I love to fly with Cebu Pacific, because mostly all flights are on time or even before arriving schedule.

What's YOUR favourite Philippine Airline?

Honestly, it's very difficult for me to explain by mentioning several airlines. I got some very bad experiences with one! Let's talk about good things happened right now.

Just being back again from Manila in Davao, I really enjoyed Philippine Airlines: excellent service and very much being on time departure and arrival. The new slogan 'With us, you're ALWAYS NO. 1' let me really feel smiling.

By the way, if you plan to travel to Sydney you can avail the "777 only" (US$ 777) for round trip economy class, all-in-fare (excluding government taxes). Don't get me wrong, this is not a paid advertisement. I only got this information from  an Australian expat friend, who also kept on praising the nation's flagship Philippine Airlines.

Maybe you have some other experiences. Feel free to post your comment here on www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com.