Our Regular UK followers might take great pleasure in the news that Philippine Airlines will be introducing it’s flagship 777-300ER aircraft on the Manila-London route, replacing the older A340 product that’s been operating the past few years. Originally penned to star flying in December, the date has been moved forward to September 19th 2017, meaning grabbing a chance to fly in even more comfort is now possible in just over a month.
Reason One
The Upgraded Aircraft
Bigger aircraft, more seats… the aircraft is kitted out with 42 business class seats, compared to the A340’s 36. While the business class cabin doesn’t offer all-aisle access, it follows the forward facing 2 x 3 x 2 configuration, like those found on Emirates and Turkish Airlines 777’s, these seats are comfortable, wide and a vast improvement on the older seats.
The aircraft features two business class cabins, divided by one of the galleys, the forward of the two featuring four rows of seats and the second offering just two.
Economy will have a slightly tighter seat width, featuring the industry standard 10 abreast, but all passengers are going to benefit from AVOD entertainment and inflight Wi-Fi. Check out the airlines 360 degree virtual cabin walkthrough here.
Reason Two
Connections On The Upgraded A330 Product
Philippine Airlines have also recently upgraded their A330 product to include Vantage XL seats which means passengers can enjoy flat-bed business class from London to Melbourne, Shanghai, Sydney, Hong Kong, Narita, Haneda, Osaka and Singapore, all rolled out by the end of the year.
Reason Three
Getting to Auckland Just Got Easier
PAL will start non-stop flights between Manila and Auckland from 6th December. This means travel time to Auckland will be reduced to 10 hours from the current 12.15 hour Manila – Auckland via Cairns route. PAL will be upgrading the route to its twin-aisle dual class 254-seater A340s from their single-aisle 156-seater A320s meaning there’s 60% more seats on offer, driving costs down for those wanting to traverse the globe.
Reason Four
Island Hopping In The Philippines Just Got More Comfortable
PAL’s new Q400 aircraft have just been delivered too, which are the first dual-class Q400’s in the world, offering regular economy and a premium economy class too. Flying from Manila, the aircraft support their other larger regional airbus fleet, which offers business class seats – PAL are the only airline in the Philippines to offer regional business class, which are in big comfy recliners.
Reason Five
The Club Aspire Lounge in Heathrow
Philippine Airlines are now using the Club Aspire Lounge in Heathrow Terminal 3. It may not be as flashy as Cathay’s glorious new lounge, or the much anticipated Qantas lounge, but it’s perfectly formed and features designer touches making the start of the journey for those in business class, incredibly comfortable. Similar in concept to the pay-for-lounges like No.1 Traveller, the lounge access is complimentary, with the ability to pay a little more for bolt on services like a shower, massage or premium champagne.
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