Philippine Airlines Initiates New Upgrades Manila–Puerto Princesa Route with Airbus A330, Boosting its Capacity, Passenger Experience and Affordable Fares

Published on December 12, 2025

To address the continuously rising demand for air travel, Philippine Airlines (PAL) introduced an upgrade on its Manila-Puerto Princesa flights using the Airbus A330 aircraft. PAL introduced an upgrade on its Manila-Puerto Princesa flights using an Airbus A330 aircraft, which will address the rising demand for travel going to Palawan, an important tourist destination in the country.

The additional flights using an Airbus A330 aircraft will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on Manila and Puerto Princesa flights. According to reports, PAL planned to start operating three flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as an addition to its previous services. The additional air services will significantly impact PAL’s business because there will be more customer traffic. Also, it will improve customer services due to an increase in air services.

Airbus A330: More Space, Comfort, and Options for Passengers

The Airbus A330-300 deployed by PAL is configured with 363 seats, including 18 in Business Class, 33 in Comfort Class, and 312 in Economy Class. This configuration significantly increases the number of available seats per flight, ensuring that more travelers can access the Manila–Puerto Princesa route. The aircraft’s modern amenities and comfortable seating will improve the overall passenger experience, whether travelers are flying for business, vacation, or family visits.

With this increase in seating capacity, PAL is not only accommodating more passengers but also enhancing comfort for each guest. The new wide-body aircraft is designed with the latest technology and luxurious features, ensuring that passengers enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable flight to one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations.

Supporting Affordable Travel: Ticket Pricing and Accessibility

To encourage travelers to explore Puerto Princesa and make the most of the new flight capacity, PAL is offering its lowest base fare starting at just P688 for one-way tickets. This affordable pricing makes Palawan more accessible to domestic travelers, particularly those from Manila, and supports the growth of local tourism.

By keeping ticket prices competitive and accessible, PAL aims to make Puerto Princesa a more affordable and attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers, including families and solo adventurers. This pricing strategy also contributes to the broader tourism growth in Palawan, encouraging more visitors to discover the island’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique local experiences.

Passenger Impact: More Convenient Flights and Expanded Travel Options

The deployment of the Airbus A330 on the Manila–Puerto Princesa route also provides passengers with more flexible travel options. With flights operating three times a week, travelers now have greater convenience and more scheduling choices, making it easier to plan their trips without worrying about limited availability. The new flight schedules are designed to meet the needs of both business travelers who need to maximize their time and leisure travelers who are looking to explore Palawan at their own pace.

The improved frequency and increased seating capacity ensure that passengers will have more seamless connections between Manila and Puerto Princesa, especially during peak travel seasons. This added flexibility is expected to enhance the overall travel experience, making it easier for visitors to explore Palawan’s pristine beaches, eco-tourism sites, and cultural attractions.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Supporting Local Economies

The expanded capacity on the Manila–Puerto Princesa route is not just beneficial for passengers but also for the broader tourism economy. By providing greater access to Palawan, PAL helps connect the island with domestic travelers, international visitors, and local businesses, promoting the region’s economic development.

The cargo capacity of the Airbus A330 also allows for more efficient freight movement, helping local businesses in Puerto Princesa by facilitating the transportation of goods and supplies. This increase in passenger traffic and cargo capacity strengthens the local economy, creating new opportunities for tourism-related industries, hotels, and restaurants to thrive.

Sustainable Growth for PAL and Philippine Tourism

PAL’s deployment of the Airbus A330 on the Manila–Puerto Princesa route is a key part of the airline’s strategy for sustainable growth in Philippine tourism. By enhancing the travel experience for passengers while expanding its route network, PAL is positioning itself as a leader in providing reliable, efficient, and affordable travel options across the Philippines.

In the coming years, PAL plans to continue expanding its fleet and capacity on other high-demand routes, further improving the travel experience for passengers. With the airline’s growing focus on regional connectivity, more destinations in the Philippines and beyond will become accessible to travelers, promoting tourism and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

A Stronger Future for PAL and Passenger Connectivity

The operation of Airbus A330 flights on the Manila-Puerto Princesa route will help Philippine Airlines raise travel convenience and accessibility. As a result of new schedules and added capacity offered by these flights, people will have more travel options. Moreover, budget flights will help Palawan remain an attractive destination for tourists with varying budgets.

As PAL continues its strengthening presence within its market in the Philippines, it will be poised to offer even more convenient connections for its local and international passengers and make travel to and within the Philippines an increasingly attractive option for travelers. The airline’s extension service offered at Puerto Princesa will start to unlock the tourism and development opportunities within that region for the years ahead.

Image Source: Philippines Airlines