Published March 18, 2021, 12:02 AM
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier and Asia’s oldest airline, turns 80 this month amid a continuing pandemic-induced financial difficulty that fell upon the aviation industry globally.
PAL had seen the worst and the best of times, but this pandemic is one that could kill a weary spirit of the lesser stuff.
“We are still alive. We are still here.” Such was the inspiring message given by Philippine Airlines (PAL) President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Gilbert Santa Maria on the occasion of the flag carrier’s 80th anniversary.
Santa Maria vowed PAL is going to stay. “This great lady – Philippine Airlines – will stay aloft while she is in our care,” he vowed. This is despite the retrenchment of considerable number of its people, amid the continued grounding of its fleet as travel restrictions continue to dampen travelers’ plans..