70,000 free seats up for grabs on PAL’s 70th year

The Philippine Airlines was founded by a group of Filipino industrialists on February 16, 1941. But it was on March 15, 1941, that the carrier took its first flight: a Beech Model 18 aircraft carrying five passengers from Nielson airfield in Makati to Baguio. This flight earned for PAL the distinction of being Asia’s first airline.

In a year-long celebration that leads to its 70th anniversary in March 2011, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is launching a series of promotional events where up to 70,000 free seats on various flights will be given away throughout the year.

The flag carrier announced the introduction of a grand seat raffle, a major discounted-fare promo, a “Philippines Free” international campaign, and a new loyalty program targeting the youth market.

The grand seat raffle covers all customers who purchase PAL revenue tickets in the Philippines and via PAL’s website and who travel between March 16 and December 31, 2010.

A total of 16,000 winners will be chosen during nine monthly raffle draws. Prizes include free tickets for routes equivalent to those in tickets bought and flown. On March 15, 2011, PAL’s 70th anniversary, up to 3,000 lucky passengers will get to travel for free.

The fares promo, known as the “Anniversary Fare Special,” features generously discounted rates on all domestic PAL routes. A flat rate of P700 on one-way flights between Manila and points in Luzon or the Visayas, and P1,700 to/from Mindanao destinations are offered. International flights are also covered by the promo; fares vary according to route.

Meanwhile, a campaign from 18 international destinations called “Philippines Free” features free travel within the Philippines. It will be offered to passengers who travel on PAL’s international services during selected periods of the year. The sale period is between March 15 and April 7, 2010.

Another promo benefits passengers celebrating their 70th birthday between March 15 and April 15, 2010. These senior celebrants receive a free domestic ticket when a companion’s ticket is purchased for travel on the same date and route. This promo is valid for travel from May 15 to August 20, 2010.

Finally, an innovative program called the Mabuhay Miles “Y Flyer,” which was developed by PAL for the youth comprising an increasingly active segment of the flying public.

[ Philippine Airlines Wiki ]