PAL, Canada’s WestJet ink code share pact

MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to grow its international presence, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines Incorporated (PAL) has entered into a code share agreement with WestJet of Canada.

The legacy carrier launched its 9th code share agreement Tuesday, February 10, and the second since PAL was bought back by the Lucio Tan Group in September 2014. (READ: PAL buyback: Lucio Tan’s change of heart)

In October, PAL signed a code share deal with Japan’s All Nippon Airways Company (ANA).

PAL’s code share agreement with WestJet doubles the legacy carrier’s network reach in North America – from Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, as well as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and eventually New York to 10 destinations.

The WestJet code share is a “straightforward arrangement” meaning, PAL places its code and sells seats on 6 select routes operated by the Canadian airline.

These routes include Toronto – Montreal; Toronto – Ottawa; Vancouver – Calgary; Vancouver – Edmonton; Vancouver – Toronto; and Vancouver – Winnipeg.

Apart from the code share, passengers on PAL’s Canadian flights could connect to WestJet’s domestic network and to the Canadian airline’s international network such as the US, Caribbean, and Mexico.

WestJet flies to more than 90 destinations in North and Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

The airline flies to more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries through WestJet Encore and global airline partners.

The Manila – Vancouver – Manila and Manila – Toronto – Manila flights will continue to be operated by PAL.

Apart from WestJet and ANA, PAL has existing code share agreements with PAL Express, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air, and Malaysia Airlines.

The LT Group is pursuing the entry of a foreign strategic partner within the next 3 years.

The strategic partner that could take as much as 40% stake in the airline under Philippine laws would help finance the acquisition of additional aircraft for long-haul destinations. – Rappler.com