FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been named a four-star major regional carrier by New York-based Airline Passenger Experience Association (Apex), further bolstering its bid to become a five-star airline by 2020.
In a statement, PAL President Jaime J. Bautista said the award is the result of a fully “certified, validated, verified” rating program based on passenger feedback.
Feedback given were on PAL’s overall flight experience in five subcategories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity.
“This new four-star Apex award is another victory for the Philippine Airlines team of dedicated professionals, coming after the four-star global rating certified by Skytrax earlier this year,” Bautista said.
The association processed verified itineraries that were validated by geo-location from over 50 million itineraries. More than half-a-million flights were rated for a year until July 31 this year.
The new award is the latest in the flag carrier’s victories in the international arena. Others include the four-star global airline certification from Skytrax, which it won in February, and the second most improved airline in the world, which it won in June also from the London-based accrediter.
Bautista said the award will further encourage the carrier to “step up its service enhancement program as PAL introduces new aircraft, routes and product innovations.”
Recently, it began deploying Airbus A350s and Airbus A321 neos on key international routes.
“This new accolade comes with a fresh challenge: We should never rest on our laurels but must always remain focused on our primary role to provide a pleasant and comfortable travel experience for all our passengers, in the air and on the ground,” he said.
He added: “Thus, this latest award as four-star major regional airline will inspire us to keep getting better and achieve more until we attain the coveted five-star status as a prime player in global aviation.”
PAL aims to be a certified five-star carrier by 2020.