By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, June 19 (PNA) — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Friday said it is set to acquire two more B777-300ERs to ramp up its long-haul operations.
The 777-300ER is the most fuel and cost-efficient airplane in its class today with 99.5 percent reliability, and is considered one of the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world.
PAL said that the B777s will be acquired by way of an agreement between leasing firm Intrepid Aviation and PAL. This new acquisition will bring the flag carrier’s over-all fleet count to 78.
The orders are in addition to the six 777-300ERs the flag carrier currently operates, including one leased by Intrepid Aviation.
PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista, in a statement, welcomed the airline company’s latest development.
“We celebrate our growing partnership with both Boeing and Intrepid Aviation,” Bautista said.
“These additional 777-300ERs will help us continue to expand our long-haul markets efficiently and economically, while enabling us to provide passengers our trademark Filipino service in the modern, state-of-the-art 777,” he added.
Intrepid Aviation and aircraft manufacturer Boeing Company for its part, also welcomed the lease of both planes by PAL.
“We are very pleased to expand our relationship with Philippine Airlines and to work with Boeing to provide PAL with such an outstanding airplane,” Intrepid Aviation President and Chief Executive Officer Franklin Pray said.
“The economics and capabilities of the 777-300ER continue to make it very attractive for our customers who are looking for growth potential,” he added.
Meanwhile, Boeing Sr. Vice President for Global Sales & Marketing John Wojick spoke of the relationship between Boeing and PAL which he said has only strengthened over the years.
“Boeing has a long relationship with Philippine Airlines and we are delighted to partner with Intrepid Aviation to provide additional 777-300ERs for PAL’s growing fleet,” Wojick said.
“Philippine Airlines’ continued commitment to the 777-300ER is a testament to the airplane’s proven fuel efficiency, performance and award-winning passenger interior,” he said. (PNA)