PAL's Kuala Lumpur flights to stir weekend and MICE travel

The Malaysian travel trade is looking to tap Philippine Airlines' four-times-weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manila, commencing May 1.


Ally Bhoonee, executive director of World Avenues, said: “The Philippine market, with its growing economy, is a good market to replace the slow movements out of Europe. The short flight distance encourages weekend getaways to Kuala Lumpur, and there are also no visa requirements. "With improved accessibility, we will certainly intensify our efforts in the Philippines."

Another inbound player, Tina Travel & Agencies managing director, Adam Kamal, said: "The added capacity on this route makes it easier for us to target the meetings and incentives segment out of Manila. Some corporate companies only want to fly on full-service carriers." The other full-service carrier on the route is Malaysia Airlines, which runs four daily flights between the two cities.

Lexis Hotels & Resorts vice president – operations, Tiu Kwe Yee, was also keen to target the honeymoon segment. "Our Grand Lexis Port Dickson resort has a private pool in every room. We will work with inbound (consultants) on packages."

Departing Manila every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 07.55, flights arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 11.40. They leave Kuala Lumpur at 12.50 and arrive in Manila at 16.40pm on the return leg. Philippines Airlines will operate its 126-seater Airbus A319 on the route.
-TTG Asia.