CONTINENTAL Airlines will stick to its core schedule of daily flights to Manila even with the resumption of Philippine Airlines’ flight service to Guam.
“We do not plan to change our flight schedule in relation to any other airline entering the market,” Continental Vice President for Sales and Promotions Walter B. Dias told Variety.
Continental Airlines, however, reduced its Saipan-Guam-Manila fare to $508 from June to September.
Dias said the airlines has no pricing agreement with PAL.
“This is our current lowest fare for Saipan-Manila. Other restrictions do apply and customers should check with their travel agent or Continental reservations for details,” he said.
The airline, however, maintains a standard interline agreement with PAL.
This allows Continental “to ticket PAL segments on PAL ticket stock and allows PAL to ticket Continental segments on PAL ticket stock.”
“This interline agreement has nothing to do with pricing,” he said.
Dias said Continental Airlines hopes to see PAL promote Micronesia as a destination.
“We would hope that PAL’s entry will be accompanied by additional promotions by PAL. Otherwise, there really is not much of a benefit to the communities in Micronesia as they would only be splitting existing passengers between the two airlines,” he said.
PAL made its maiden flight to Guam over the weekend.
Dias said Continental Airlines remains committed to the Manila market.
In July, it will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Micronesia-Philippine route.
“In that time, airlines have come and gone, but Continental remained committed to the market in good times and bad,” he said.
He said the airline welcomes PAL’s entry into the market “and hopes they can generate additional tourists for Micronesia.”
He expressed confidence that Continental customers “will continue to use Continental given its brand new aircraft, strong schedules to the Philippines and other destinations and our industry leading frequent flyer program.”
Continental Airlines departs 7 p.m. daily for Manila.
On certain days, it makes morning flights that depart between 6:45 and 9 a.m.
