PAL expands Europe network in Qatar Airways deal
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adding more than 20 flight options for Filipinos traveling to Europe through its expanded partnership with Qatar Airways.
In a statement, PAL said it has signed a fresh agreement with Qatar Airways to enhance its codeshare partnership in a bid to broaden connectivity between Manila and Doha.
Codeshare refers to an arrangement in which two or more airlines offer the same flight route, allowing one carrier to sell tickets for another airline’s flights.
PAL said that beginning next month, it will codeshare with Qatar Airways on flights to Doha originating from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao.
Upon arriving at Hamad International Airport, travelers will have the option to fly directly to over 20 major cities across Europe, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt.
This expands the current connection to Qatar Airways’ flight network of more than 170 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
From the current Manila-to-Doha route, Qatar Airways will expand its reach in the Philippines through PAL’s domestic flights to popular leisure destinations such as Boracay and Puerto Princesa.
PAL and Qatar Airways will also extend their partnership to their loyalty programs, allowing members to collect and spend miles when flying on each other’s networks.
PAL said this latest loyalty partnership for its frequent flyer program, Mabuhay Miles, enhances the airline’s presence in the Middle East. The airline is now the 26th partner of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club, further increasing its footprint in Southeast Asia.
By expanding its cooperation with Qatar Airways, which was voted the world’s best airline by aviation research firm Skytrax, PAL said it can assure customers of its reliability and operational excellence.
Meanwhile, PAL said it continues to invest in improving network efficiency and fleet readiness to deliver consistent and reliable service. The airline was recognized by Cirium as the most punctual airline in Asia-Pacific last year.
With its eye on expansion, PAL recently secured approval to expand its partnership with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, deepening its reach in the growing North American market. (Dexter Barro II)