Philippine Airlines to Start Europe Flights Nov 4

   By Cris Larano 
 

MANILA--Philippine Airlines Inc., the country's largest international carrier, said Tuesday it will start flights to Europe in November, four months after the European Union lifted a ban on Philippine carriers due to safety concerns.

PAL, as the airline is better known, stopped flying to Europe in 1998 because of financial problems. But even after conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC.PH) bought into the airline last year, it was unable to expand routes to Europe because of the EU ban imposed in 2010. That ban was lifted in July.

PAL president Ramon Ang told reporters the airline will resume its European service with flights to London starting Nov. 4. He said the airline will fly five times a week to Heathrow from Manila.

Mr. Ang said the direct flights to London should help the country's drive to attract more tourists from Europe.

Last year, Air France-KLM stopped direct flights to Manila from Europe after the Philippine government refused to lower or abolish aviation taxes as demanded by the airline.

Mr. Ang said PAL plans to fly to Rome, Amsterdam and Paris next year.

Write to Cris Larano at [e-mail]

Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires