PAL set to fly from Manila to Perth

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will add its fourth gateway to Australia in 2023 by launching non-stop flights for the first time from Manila to Perth and vice versa.

PAL announced yesterday that it would operate non-stop flights to Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, starting March 27, 2023, to link the Philippines to the destination for the first time.

With this, guests can head to Perth within just seven hours, saving them up to six hours of travel time compared to flying with airlines that have to do a stopover in a third country.

Beginning March 27, 2023, PAL will fly to Perth from Manila three times a week, every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Based on the plan, the flag carrier will tap an Airbus A321neo in serving the route to provide travelers with business and economy options.

PAL president and chief operating officer Stanley Ng said servicing the Perth route benefits both the Philippines and Australia, promoting business and tourism between the two countries.

“The new non-stop flights give PAL and its travel partners this great opportunity to promote the Philippines as a prime tourist and business destination for travelers from Western Australia,” Ng said.

“On the other hand, we invite Filipinos to do business in Perth or visit their family members while discovering this dynamic Australian region and building new friendships,” he said.

Perth Airport CEO Kevin Brown said the launch of the Manila to Perth route adds around 52,000 seats into the market every year. Similarly, he sees gains for both countries in the introduction of the linkage: the Philippines gets additional guests, while Australia receives exchange students.

“This exciting new route will inject more than 52,000 seats into the market per year. We’re keen on seeing more Filipino students choose to study in Perth to help the education sector and our tourism and hospitality markets,” Brown said.

“The same is also true in reverse: With more than 7,000 islands and amazing beaches on offer, the Philippines offers Western Australians an attractive holiday destination,” he added.

Perth joins PAL’s roster of Australian destinations made up of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, all of which are connected with non-stop flights using A330 and A321neo aircraft.