MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is shelving plans to expand its US network as well as ambitions for multiple European routes due to challenges in operating long haul flights, according to think tank CAPA-Centre for Aviation. CAPA said PAL is considering suspending services to London Heathrow and replace it with a Paris flight instead. “PAL was previously considering launching Paris or other destinations in continental Europe (such as Rome or Frankfurt), while maintaining London. Asian carriers continue to pursue expansion in North America and will continue to rely on the Philippines for providing filler traffic, despite the low yields,” CAPA said. PAL currently operates six long haul routes or those over 10 hours, and these are Manila to London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Source: Philippine Star June 23, 2019 16:01 UTC