Philippine Airlines returns to Kuala Lumpur

Philippine Airlines resumes a regular service between Manila and Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, October 26, marking the flag carrier's return to the Malaysian capital after a five-year absence.

Flight PR 507 departs at 4:00 p.m. with a full load, with all 12 Mabuhay (business) class seats and 102 economy class seats on the Boeing 737-300 aircraft taken.

On board are top PAL officials led by president and chief operating officer Avelino L. Zapanta, executive vice president Henry So Uy, and vice president for sales David A. Lim.

Accompanying them are representatives from the Philippine travel trade and tourism community.

The flight will be sent off in simple ceremonies at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at 4:00 p.m., two hours earlier than its regular operating schedule, in order to accommodate the various ceremonial activities.

On arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 7:45 p.m., the passengers will be accorded an official welcome by top Malaysian officials led by the deputy transport minister, the chairman of the airport authority and the general secretary of the tourism ministry.

"We are excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur after being away for awhile," said Zapanta. "PAL is gradually returning to its core markets and KL is an important part of that modest expansion."

The long-awaited service was originally planned for May 30 but postponed because of the SARS epidemic that affected travel throughout Asia.

It operates four times weekly, with departures from Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Arrival in Kuala Lumpur is 9:45 p.m.

The return flight departs Kuala Lumpur the next day at 7:30 a.m. and arrives in Manila at 11:20 a.m.

Boeing 737-300 jets are deployed on the route.

Kuala Lumpur is PAL's 23rd international destination and fifth in the Asean region. PAL first flew to KL on April 7, 1977. The service was suspended in June 1998 after operational and financial difficulties forced the airline to restructure its route network.

PAL's return is expected to boost two-way traffic between the Philippines and Malaysia, which grew by 2.2% this year and is forecast to expand by 5% annually in the short term.