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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider PAL may not mount Sapporo flights this year

PAL may not mount Sapporo flights this year

Published May 20, 2024 11:13 pm

Philippine Airlines (PAL) said it may not push through with its planned reopening of direct flights from Manila to Sapporo, Japan due to persistent supply chain issues.

"We wanted [to] but it's a manpower issue. The team's still figuring that out, but we're not optimistic about relaunching within the year," PAL President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Capt. Stanley K. Ng told reporters on May 14.

He cited manpower issues and procurement of engines for the Sapporo flights as significant challenges, noting that a plane used to carry the Sapporo flights is currently grounded along with four other Airbus 320s.  

"It's difficult because we have to know today, so we can sell. If we get it, let's say, in October and we decide later, how can you launch a flight in a month or two. It's a commitment but its hard to get that," he explained.

Despite this,  Ng said it can still resume the flights within the year, provided they can decide on this matter as early as possible.

"It's 50-50. There's a chance but we have to decide in the latest by June or July, so we have time to market it and sell flights, fill out the seats," he said.

Aside from the Sapporo flights, Ng added that challenges remain in resuming flights to Osaka, Japan from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

PAL first launched its Manila-Sapporo non-stop flights back in 2018. 
 

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