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11 November, 2024

REVIEW: Business Class – Sydney to Manila on Philippine Airlines, delivered with Filipino warmth

By Nancy Hromin

Currently, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has entered into a temporary damp-lease agreement with Wamos Air, one of Europe’s leading charter and wet lease carriers to operate its Manila-Sydney-Manila and Manila-Melbourne-Manila flights.

The Seat

Boarding at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, I was warmly welcomed by the PAL crew, whose smiles and greetings felt authentic and familiar. The business class cabin has a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning all seats have aisle access. While this layout isn’t as private as some of PAL’s direct competitors, the seats recline fully into a flatbed position, providing ample space and comfort for the eight-hour journey. The seats had adjustable lumbar support and a padded blanket, which was surprisingly plush. Each seat was equipped with a personal entertainment screen and offered a selection of recent movies and shows, along with Filipino cinema classics for a local touch.

PAL has partnered with Spain’s Wamos Air for the temporary use of two leased Airbus A330-200 aircraft on flights from Sydney and Melbourne until January 2025. The lease arrangement was updated recently to allow PAL to use more of its own flight attendants onboard the A330-200s.

Said PAL President Capt. Ng: “We are happy to note that flights using the leased aircraft will now feature our very own Philippine Airlines cabin crew, the airline’s pride and joy, ensuring the best of safety and service on board these flights within the Asia-Pacific region.”

The 2-2-2 Business class configuration.

Food and beverage

As we took off, the Filipino warmth and hospitality truly came to life. The crew immediately offered a pre-departure drink, and I opted for the signature Philippine Airlines calamansi juice – a refreshing citrus blend unique to the Philippines. Meal service began shortly after take-off, and the in-flight menu featured a mix of Western and Filipino options. I chose the chicken adobo, a traditional Filipino dish that was flavourful and tender, paired with steamed rice and a side of pickled papaya. The dessert – a halo-halo-inspired coconut pudding – offered a touch of sweetness that balanced the meal beautifully. PAL’s dedication to showcasing Filipino flavours in-flight set this experience apart, and the crew’s genuine enthusiasm in explaining the dishes added to the overall enjoyment.

Service

The highlight of the flight was, without a doubt, the service. PAL’s crew are renowned for their friendliness, but this crew went above and beyond, attending to each passenger with a level of care that felt personal. It wasn’t just efficient – it was thoughtful. They anticipated needs with grace, offering extra pillows unprompted, checking in regularly without being intrusive, and engaging with passengers in a way that felt genuine and heartwarming. Each interaction was accompanied by a smile, a subtle reminder of the “Mabuhay” spirit, which translates to a sense of welcome and celebration in Filipino culture.

Entertainment and amenities

While the leased A330 does not have PAL’s newest in-flight entertainment system, the selection was still enjoyable, with a mix of popular Hollywood releases and Filipino classics. Wi-Fi was unavailable on this leased aircraft so do any emails and work before you fly and enjoy the digital detox! The amenity kit included the essentials: an eye mask, socks, toothbrush, and some PAL-branded toiletries. The quality of these items was respectable, and the crew distributed additional amenities, like mouthwash and slippers, upon request.

Arrival

Our descent into Manila was smooth, and as we touched down, the crew went out of their way to ensure a seamless transition, offering advice for first-time visitors to Manila and helping passengers with their luggage. It was a fitting end to a flight that showcased PAL’s commitment to hospitality, leaving passengers feeling like they’d been in the care of family.

What is coming and what to get excited about for PAL

What will be coming soon will be unparalleled comfort and privacy in Business Class with all aisle-access, full flat beds, dedicated power outlets and charging ports. A wide range of entertainment options via an Advertising Video on Demand Inflight system featuring movies, TV shows and music, while customising comfort with personal temperature control.

Verdict

Philippine Airlines may be using a leased fleet on the Sydney to Manila route, but the Filipino spirit that defines PAL shines through brilliantly. From the warmth of the crew to the flavourful local cuisine, PAL offers an experience that is distinctly Filipino and deeply welcoming. The leased aircraft is temporary and the service more than makes up for any modern bell and whistle. Additionally, the price point for a business class flight is significantly less than its competitors. We met some passengers on the flight who chose to go via Manila on their trip to Thailand, rather than a direct economy flight because it was cheaper in Business and the transit was smooth with only an additional hour of flying. We can’t wait for the next iteration.

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