30 April 2021
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has secured regulatory and overflight approval to fly Manila to Tel Aviv and vice versa starting October this year, via Saudi Arabian and Jordan airspace. The route will be flown by Airbus A330-300 thrice a week according to their application.
In a statement, the airline said it hopes to serve growing demand for air linkages between the Philippines and the Holy Land to serve tourists and overseas Filipino workers this year.
PAL President and COO Gilbert Santa Maria said Manila-Tel Aviv-Manila flights has been worked out since 2019 but couldn't get clearance to fly Saudi Arabian Airspace, its preferred mode of overflights.
"The Philippines is a strong source of potential travelers to Israel, which welcomes Filipinos without requiring a visa. Our countrymen have been longing for a direct flight to the Holy Land for spiritual pilgrimages or for a Mediterranean getaway when the travel climate allows. We also look forward to inviting Israelis to visit the Philippines, so our direct flights will help us restart tourism here in our country,” said PAL chief Strategy and Planning Officer Dexter Lee.
In March 2018, Air India became the first airline to overfly Saudia Arabian Airspace after the Saudi Government granted their request for overflight rights.
A350 or A330?
ReplyDeleteA350 on inaugural
ReplyDeleteCodeshare with Israel's EL Al.
ReplyDelete