PAL commenced a daily service to Darwin on 1 June 2013 with three flights per week continuing on to Brisbane and four times per week continuing to Perth. By early September 2013 the Perth flights ceased, leaving just thee flights weekly to Brisbane, via Darwin.
Today's announcement will see four flights per week to Brisbane, via Darwin and three to Perth, via Darwin. These will be supplemented by additional direct flights with newly leased Boeing 757 planes to make both Brisbane and Perth daily to Manila, serviced by a combination of direct 757 flights and indirect Boeing 737 flights, via Darwin.
The 757s are set to be replaced by new Airbus 321neos from 2016. The 321neos have a far greater range than existing 321s due to enhanced engine efficiency.
While the announcement is great news for Darwin, the risk is that if there is insufficient Darwin patronage, PAL will have options to bypass Darwin and fly directly to larger southern markets.
The new flights are not yet bookable on PAL's website.
Downgrades Equipment to Boeing 757
10 July 2014
Philippine Airlines will expand its Australia Network by expanding services to Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Brisbane effective from October says its President.
PAL President and COO Ramon S. Ang said yesterday that it will also open back Perth to its route network.
The airline will fly daily direct services to Sydney, Melbourne, and Darwin while Brisbane and Perth will see three and four flights operating direct from Manila respectively while other flights operate via Darwin. Perth will be relaunched on the 27 of October.
The airline will operate a fleet of five Boeing 757-200 for this route leased from Boeing Capital Corporation until 2016 where it will be replaced by Airbus A321 NEO's.
PAL is also finalizing plan to launch services to Auckland via intermediate points in Australia
http://www.philippineairspace.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/pal-expands-down-under.html