(File photo)
MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Thursday cited the measures it has undertaken to normalize operations and minimize flight disruptions.
Aside from several delays, the carrier canceled five to 10 flights in the past weeks due to the increase in the number of aircraft that were grounded for preventive maintenance as a result of high use, owing to the revenge travel phenomenon.
Aside from adjusting its flight schedules, PAL is also making changes to its maintenance procedures without compromising safety and aircraft reliability, spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told reporters.
"We are regularly reviewing our flight capacity to ensure that maintenance schedules are met," she said.
On Wednesday, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) was called for a Senate hearing to tackle complaints posted on social media, citing long delays and abrupt flight cancelations.
PAL was also in attendance to answer questions from the Senate Committee on Tourism and enlighten them by providing an overview of the operational situation.
"Like Cebu Pacific, our operations have been affected by the global supply chain shortage that is currently ongoing. We do acknowledge that in the past several weeks, it has been most challenging for PAL, considering that we have been experiencing an increased number of our aircraft that are on preventive maintenance -- most of these are unscheduled,” PAL Vice President for Legal Affairs Ma. Clara de Castro said during the hearing.
"PAL is actively seeking for more sources of critical parts suppliers in the market," Villaluna said.
Since both carriers have been utilizing Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus aircraft in their fleet, both airlines said they have been experiencing delays in the delivery of jet engines from the supplier.
Traditional aircraft engines can normally fly for 3,000 hours before they are given an overhaul. However, the Pratt & Whitney engines only last for about 700 hours.
CEB on Wednesday said it normally takes 90 days before the engines sent for repair are returned to them, refreshed and like brand new.
However, as the industry is still grappling with the supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic, the line for engine repair is long and airlines have to wait as long as nine months to get their engines back from the shop.
Villaluna said PAL currently has 69 aircraft, compared to 98 pre-pandemic.
She added that PAL is looking at acquiring an additional A321CEO to add to its fleet in the first week of July.
On the other hand, one A320 aircraft is expected to return from storage in the first week of August.
The carrier is also finalizing lease arrangements for one Q400 and one A330 aircraft, she said.
PAL bosses, meanwhile, have recently signed a purchase agreement for nine brand-new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
The A350-1000 has been selected for PAL's Ultra Long Haul Fleet project and will fly on non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada, Villaluna said. (PNA)
Aside from several delays, the carrier canceled five to 10 flights in the past weeks due to the increase in the number of aircraft that were grounded for preventive maintenance as a result of high use, owing to the revenge travel phenomenon.
Aside from adjusting its flight schedules, PAL is also making changes to its maintenance procedures without compromising safety and aircraft reliability, spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told reporters.
"We are regularly reviewing our flight capacity to ensure that maintenance schedules are met," she said.
On Wednesday, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) was called for a Senate hearing to tackle complaints posted on social media, citing long delays and abrupt flight cancelations.
PAL was also in attendance to answer questions from the Senate Committee on Tourism and enlighten them by providing an overview of the operational situation.
"Like Cebu Pacific, our operations have been affected by the global supply chain shortage that is currently ongoing. We do acknowledge that in the past several weeks, it has been most challenging for PAL, considering that we have been experiencing an increased number of our aircraft that are on preventive maintenance -- most of these are unscheduled,” PAL Vice President for Legal Affairs Ma. Clara de Castro said during the hearing.
"PAL is actively seeking for more sources of critical parts suppliers in the market," Villaluna said.
Since both carriers have been utilizing Pratt & Whitney-powered Airbus aircraft in their fleet, both airlines said they have been experiencing delays in the delivery of jet engines from the supplier.
Traditional aircraft engines can normally fly for 3,000 hours before they are given an overhaul. However, the Pratt & Whitney engines only last for about 700 hours.
CEB on Wednesday said it normally takes 90 days before the engines sent for repair are returned to them, refreshed and like brand new.
However, as the industry is still grappling with the supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic, the line for engine repair is long and airlines have to wait as long as nine months to get their engines back from the shop.
Villaluna said PAL currently has 69 aircraft, compared to 98 pre-pandemic.
She added that PAL is looking at acquiring an additional A321CEO to add to its fleet in the first week of July.
On the other hand, one A320 aircraft is expected to return from storage in the first week of August.
The carrier is also finalizing lease arrangements for one Q400 and one A330 aircraft, she said.
PAL bosses, meanwhile, have recently signed a purchase agreement for nine brand-new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
The A350-1000 has been selected for PAL's Ultra Long Haul Fleet project and will fly on non-stop services from Manila to North America, including to the East Coast of the US and Canada, Villaluna said. (PNA)
