MANILA – Philippine Airlines achieved an average departure on-time rate of 90.2% in its systemwide operations during the April-to-December 2009 period, the first nine months of its current financial year, the flag carrier reported today.

PAL said operational punctuality averaged 90.9% for its domestic flights and 89.1% for international flights.  Both efforts exceeded the IATA industry standard of 85%, as well as PAL’s own internal benchmarks of 90% for domestic and 85% for international operations.

The impressive on-time performance highlights PAL’s renewed efficiency and marks an auspicious start to 2010, when the airline opens several new routes and takes delivery of new aircraft.

Indeed, a key factor in PAL’s resurgence is the deployment of a young, modern fleet.  The flag carrier’s fleet of single-aisle aircraft, consisting of 22 Airbus A320 and A319 jets that fly domestic and short-range international routes, has an average age of only 4 years – one of the youngest in the world.

The bi-class jets also make PAL the only airline to offer business-class service in the domestic market.  “This allows our premium passengers to experience an upgraded level of service not only onboard but also on the ground via access to our exclusive Mabuhay Lounges at five domestic airports,” PAL said.

The long-range fleet is not too far behind.  Bannered by its brand-new flagship, the Boeing 777-300ER delivered just over a month ago, the intercontinental fleet also comprises five newly refurbished Boeing 747-400s, four Airbus A340-300s and eight A330-300s.

“With one of the youngest fleets in the industry, more amenities in the air and on the ground, and reliable on-time service, our passengers are getting extremely good value for money,” PAL said.

For their booking requirements, passengers are advised to visit www.philippineairlines.com or call (02) 855-8888.