Philippine Airlines upgrades fleet, plans to outsource

Philippine Airlines, the national carrier of Philippines, is considering fleet upgrade and outsourcing its ground handling, call center services and catering operation in a bid to stave off the looming financial crisis and remain competitive in the flourishing Asian markets.

Jaime Bautista, President of Philippine Airlines, said that the fleet upgrade plan is quite necessary as it will provide scope to lower unit costs and do the pricing more effectively and competitively. This will also enable the airline to boost its presence in the current markets with increased flight frequencies as well as introduce new routes in the flourishing Asian region.

Philippine Airlines currently has a fleet comprising 2 Boeing 777-300ERs, 5 Boeing 747-400s, 4 Airbus A340-300s, 8 Airbus A330-300s, 4 Airbus 319-100s and 13 Airbus A320-200s. The airline wants to replace its fleet and upgrade it with newer technology, and buy more fuel efficient aircrafts over the next few years.

With the fleet upgrade plan into place, Philippine Airlines wants to serve its customers more efficiently and provide cheap flight deals for travel to various destinations worldwide.