Page 63 - MU VOL4 #3

This purchase underscores ANA HD’s belief in the dynamism of the
Asian region and the great potential of the Philippines’ multi-awarded
flag carrier and its confidence that the Philippine air travel market will
continue to serve as an economic leader for the ASEAN region.

Additionally, the investment by ANA HD heralds the dawn of a new
era of growth for PAL, which has embarked on a full-scale expansion
program that has seen its fleet and network grow to almost 100 aircraft
and 80 destinations in four continents. This campaign has coincided with
an emphasis on product transformation that saw PAL recognized recently
as the World’s Most Improved Airline for 2019.

In line with the Mid-Term Corporate Strategy for FY2018-2022, the
ANA Group is expanding its international group network, which is
considered its main growth pillar, and strengthening its partnerships with
foreign airlines to provide further convenience to its passengers.
Jaime J. Bautista, President of PAL Holdings and Philippine
Airlines, said: “We are honored and excited that a premier airline
group such as ANA HD has decided to purchase shares in PAL Holdings. the strong uptick in air traffic growth as well as the vibrant, expanding
The Philippines and Japan have a long-standing relationship with Philippine economy. We look forward to expanding our business
complementary strengths. This week, in fact, we commemorate the 70th relationship with Philippine Airlines so we can continue to serve our
year of Philippine Airlines’ service to Japan, dating back to the launch of passengers even better.”
our first Manila-Tokyo flight on January 26, 1949. It is a great privilege
to celebrate this historic occasion by strengthening our ties with ANA, as PAL currently operates 84 flights weekly on 9 routes to Japan and ANA
we aim to build a relationship that is mutually beneficial with an eye to a operates 14 flights weekly on 2 routes to the Philippines . The two
more progressive future.” carriers have codeshare operations on Japan - Philippine routes and
domestic routes within Japan and the Philippines, linking a total of 16
Shinya Katanozaka, President and CEO of ANA HOLDINGS Japanese and 11 Philippine destinations.
INC., said: “Asia is a key growth market and we believe Philippine
Airlines is in an excellent operational position to capitalize on both Completion of the investment is subject to certain closing conditions. n

LOVE BUS. Personnel at NAIA’s Terminal 2 give a “hearty” welcome to the 5th Airbus A350-900 of Philippine Airlines after its
arrival from Toulouse last Feb. 20. The once familiar kissmark logo on the brand new A350 Love Bus celebrates the PAL-Airbus
partnership spanning 40 years. The first PAL Love Bus --- an Airbus A300B4 aircraft that started flying in December 1979 --- was
then a revolutionary widebody jet with just two engines.

manilaupmagazine.com 61