PAL returns to Laoag with upgraded service

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, resumed regular service to Laoag last July 7, ending a nearly five-month absence from the Ilocos Norte capital.

PAL suspended flights to Laoag last Feb. 13 due to operational matters but now returns with an upgraded service that offers frequencies, the largest capacity (1,248 seats weekly) with convenient international connections and the only business-class service in the market.

The flag carrier is likewise offering a promotional base fare for one-way, economy-class travel between Manila and Laoag to mark resumption of service.

The fare, among the lowest in the market, is exclusive of approved surcharges and taxes. Reservation and ticketing must also be at least five days before departure.

Jaime Bautista, PAL president said, "Apart from serving the Hawaiian-Ilocano market, the service is designed to cater to the growing leisure market bound for the Ilocos region – one of the country’s destinations for inter-tourism."

"To boost tourism to the region, PAL has designed holiday package to Laoag under its popular ‘PALakbayan’ domestic tours program. The package includes air fare, hotel accommodation, breakfasts and transfer with optional tours and golf," Bautista said.

The service will operate four times weekly with both morning and afternoon departures. Flight PR 226 departs Manila every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. reaching Laoag at 10:55 a.m. The return flight, departs Laoag at 11:45 a.m. and arrives Manila at 12:40 p.m.

On the other hand, Flight PR 228 departs Manila every Friday at 5:45 p.m. and arrives in Laoag at 6:40 p.m. The return flight leaves Laoag at 7:30 p.m. and is back in Manila at 8:25 p.m.

PAL will utilize Airbus A320-200 jets on the 55-minute flight. Laoag becomes PAL’s 19th domestic destination.

The city was among PAL’s pioneer destinations, welcoming PAL flight in 1946. (Lynda B. Valencia, OPS-NOCC)