By Emmie V. Abadilla
Next month, Flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will upgrade to a more advanced passenger service system powered by next-generation technology next month, as part of its total transformation to a 5-Star airline.
The tail end of the Philippine Airlines planes in NAIA in Pasay City on January 30, 2016 during the Japanese Emperor's departure.
European plane-maker Airbus had won a $1.85 billion deal on Wednesday for the purchase of six A350-900s by Philippine Airlines. (MB PHOTO / KEVIN DELA CRUZ)
The flag carrier is enhancing passenger satisfaction with a smoother booking-to-boarding experience at different points of contact.
PAL’s new IT computer system, using the Altea PSS Suite by Amadeus, will allow airline customers to benefit from greater convenience in booking reservations, ticketing, check-in and boarding processes.
Booking will be easier and customer preferences will have automated recognition. The check-in process will be faster and the check-in experience itself will be improved.
Passengers can have smoother transfers to connecting flights on partner airline and have real-time, personalized alerts for flight changes .
Mabuhay Miles members can enjoy online Cash plus Miles redemption, on top of to redemption at ticket offices and PAL hotline. They can also redeem Mabuhay miles year-round for any seat and any fare.
Passengers can buy their tickets along with ancillary services in one transaction PAL's upgrade to the new system will take place on the third week of March 2019.
“We are looking forward to launching a more reliable and passenger-friendly system that is designed for the needs of our customers,” noted PAL President & Chief Operating Officer Jaime J. 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 4-Star Global Airline Rating and the recognition as the World’s Most Improved Airline.”
Recent PAL innovations include enhanced Business Class experience on long-haul flights; a new Premium Economy service featuring a private cabin on Airbus A350 and tri-class A330 aircraft; the introduction of faster and more convenient nonstop routes to New York, Auckland, Toronto, Sapporo, Brisbane and (by April 2019) New Delhi; enhancements in inflight meals, onboard entertainment systems, long-haul duvet service and cabin mood-lighting.
PAL is committed to carrying out further improvements in products and customer services, in line with the flag carrier’s long-term goal to achieve full 5-Star Premium Airline status, a rating reserved for the best international airlines.
“We will not rest on our laurels,” Bautista stressed. “Every Filipino traveler, 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.”