KALIBO, Aklan—The management of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) urged passengers to book in advance in order to avail themselves of cheaper plane prices.
Jose Enrique Tagle, vice president of Corporate Communications, in a press conference here on Tuesday said PAL is currently studying the effect of the increase in excise tax in the airline industry.
PAL, together with its partner the Mabuhay Maritime Express, held a press conference in order to relay its massive investments in the province.
“Last year, especially in Kalibo, there were complaints of a high rate of plane tickets. This was due to the limited airline landings allowed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,” he said.
To prevent passengers from taking expensive tickets, Tagle said they can instead purchase tickets in advance in order to enjoy cheaper rate.
During the press conference, PAL said it bought 15 new airplanes last year. It also anticipating the arrival of six more airplane units this year.
“We are also increasing more destinations abroad. We will double our flight to Kalibo and by March, we will also be having a direct flight to Caticlan,” Tagle added.
Meanwhile, Charina Danas of Mabuhay Maritime Express’s Marketing and Sales said their anticipated vessel trip from Kalibo to Caticlan will be held sometime during the first quarter of this year.
Danas said they have a contract with the local government they will use the reclamation port in Barangay Pook, Kalibo exclusively for five years on the said route.
“Aside from the Kalibo-Caticlan route, we are also testing the waters if we could also extend to other tourism destination in the Visayas. We are doing a study on it right now,” she said.