Philippine Airlines' non-stop Brisbane-Manila flights start March 27
By David Flynn, January 27 2018
Philippine Airlines will begin non-stop flights between Manila and Brisbane from March 27, axing the current Darwin stopover – and by default, the Darwin-Manila route – in the process.
The direct route will trim flying time from a little overt nine hours due to the Darwin detour (which will cease on March 24) to around seven hours.
PAL will initially use an Airbus A340 between Brisbane and Manila, with four flights a week, but plans to switch to the brand-new Airbus A321neo by mid-year.
This is also when the Philippine flag-carrier expects to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 jets, which will be used to launch non-stop flights between Manila and New York.
As to the resumption of Darwin-Manila as a direct route, PAL said in a statement that "the airline will revisit this decision in the near future as market conditions improve."
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Jan 2014
Total posts 3
Will be good to see an A340 in Brisbane on a regular basis.
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 180
Why? The A340s are old and past their time, and they have PAL's older business class. Oh, let me guess, you're not an actual business traveller, you're just an avgeek planespotter?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Apr 2017
Total posts 134
I'm both! I will love to see the A340 in Brisbane, and I'll totally go along for a ride!
23 Oct 2014
Total posts 227
Cairns, Darwin cut what’s next on the merry go around
30 Dec 2017
Total posts 2
A340 going to Brisbane? I tried to book a flight to Brisbane and it doesn't show a non-stop flight. Reservation is still not available.
Qantas
20 Nov 2014
Total posts 7
What a shame, they are terminating the Darwin Stopover. Who else will operate the DWN/MNL sector??
15 Sep 2012
Total posts 94
Air North should start flying Darwin to Manila with E170. 4hr15 each way and 3,200km. E170 has 3,900km range. Needs at least an E170 due distance. Unlikely to see Qantas or Vigin 737. Maybe Jetstar a320 or rhe new Qantas Link a320s!
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1258
@aniljak really? If there was demand for the route, I'm sure Philippines Airlines would continue using an A320 on the route. Darwin is a small city.
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 180
Aniljak, that's more aviation geek nonsense. So many planespotters playing "airline CEO" and going on about aircraft types and who should fly what and where, but your reply doesn't mention the one thing that is crucial to any route or aircraft type, and that's the passengers! If there was demand then surely PAL would still be flying this route, unless you think you know better than them? If there just aren't enough passengers then talk of E170s and A320s is pointless.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Mar 2014
Total posts 219
I agree, why not air north
15 Sep 2012
Total posts 94
No need to get personal. FYI i have over 20 years in the aviation industry with extensive airline knowledge and connections! Phillipine airlines are looking at coming back to Darwin in future once more suitable aiercraft arrive. Large Filipino community there. Similar with Cairns.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1258
I would have thought the A320 is a pretty suitable aircraft. What is a more suitable airframe for DRW to MNL on PAL?
13 Feb 2018
Total posts 7
David,
... will trim flying time from a little overt nine hours ...
--> ... will trim flying time from a little over nine hours ...
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