PAL inks code-share pact with WestJet

MANILA, Philippines - National flag carrier Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) has entered into a code-share agreement with WestJet of Canada amid the efforts of the group of taipan Lucio Tan to grow its international presence.

PAL yesterday launched its 9th code-share agreement as part of growing network of commercial alliances effectively doubling its network reach in North America from Toronto and Vancouver in Canada as well as Los Angeles, San Francisco and eventually in New York to 10 destinations.

The airline said the WestJet code-share is a straightforward arrangement where PAL places its code and sells seats on six select routes operated by the Canadian airline.

These routes include Toronto – Montreal; Toronto – Ottawa; Vancouver – Calgary; Vancouver – Edmonton; Vancouver – Toronto; and Vancouver – Winnipeg.

PAL said it would continue to operate the Manila – Vancouver – Manila and Manila – Toronto – Manila flights.

In addition to the code-share, passengers on PAL’s Canadian flights could connect to WestJet’s entire domestic network and to the Canadian airline’s international network such as the US, Caribbean, and Mexico.

WestJet flies to more than 90 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through WestJet Encore and global airline partners, the airline flies more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries.

PAL has existing code-share agreements with PAL Express, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air, Malaysia Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.

The PAL Group including PAL Express has a fleet of 73 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. It has deferred the complete delivery of close of 40 aircraft from Airbus by four years after the Tan group took back full ownership of the airline from San Miguel Corp. (SMC).

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista earlier said the airline has deferred the delivery of 38 A321 aircraft to 2024 instead of 2020.

Immediately after buying back the shares of SMC in PAL last September, the Tan Group evaluated the fleet renewal program involving the acquisition of 100 brand new aircraft undertaken by SMC.