Asia’s pioneering airline, Philippine Airlines, is solidifying its service for passengers traveling between Melbourne, Sydney, and Manila, and vice versa. Since the beginning of June, the Philippines’ flag carrier has entered into a temporary wet-lease agreement with Spain’s Wamos Air to ensure a service that is consistent and reliable, maintaining PAL’s high standards that customers are accustomed to.
I was both curious and excited about the announcement and discovered that the partnership with Wamos Air is to support PAL’s operations and fleet management in a time where aircraft maintenance requirements are impacted by issues in the global supply chain.
READ: PAL Secures Lease of Two Airbus A330-200s for Sydney and Melbourne Flights
With my excitement and as an avid traveller, I had the pleasure of experiencing both Economy and Business class on the Wamos A330-200 dual-class aircraft.
Here’s what you can expect from this unique partnership and your journey across the skies.
First impressions
PAL’s trademark service and quality continues with a warm, familiar welcome on Wamos Air. The experience of flying on Philippine Airlines operated by Wamos Air offers a blend of Spanish and Filipino elements in hospitality, deeply rooted in shared history with its cultural fusion and common values, creating a harmonious experience for travellers.
Once at the airport, check-in counters are well-marked, and staff are typically friendly and accommodating, reflecting the warm service passengers are used to. In my case, I was flying Economy Class from Melbourne Airport to NAIA Terminal 1.
PAL’s generous baggage allowance, 30kg for Economy and 40kg for Business Class passengers remains the same, as per ticket restrictions.
Wamos Air pilots and majority of their cabin crew manage the flight, and they adequately keep passengers updated during the flight. When I stepped onto the plane, both PAL and Wamos Air cabin crew members welcomed me with “Mabuhay”, which was an positive first impression during this service to Manila.
Onboard comfort
As I settled into my seat, I noticed a clean and modern cabin, featuring comfortable seating and a selection of films, enough to make the journey enjoyable. There isn’t the usual range of Filipino movies or music which is available on PAL, which was not much of an issue for me. I felt that Wamos Air’s aircraft are well-maintained and clean, with a suitable temperature, ensuring a smooth and safe flight experience.
I had the pleasure of experiencing the exceptional Business Class service on my flight from Manila to Melbourne. As it was a red-eye flight, I was eager to experience the full-flat recliner seats. I’m proud to say that I slept really well, so much so that I did not have much time left for the breakfast service! When I landed in Melbourne, I felt rested and energised, ready to take on my day’s plans.
Passengers continue to enjoy PAL’s offerings such as blankets, pillows, and amenity kit onboard Wamos flights which help to make the experience comfortable for all.
Dining and refreshments
Philippine Airlines is known for its inflight dining experience and it’s wonderful that PAL catering continues to offer the meals that passengers are familiar with on flights operated by Wamos Air. Filipino cuisine is preferred by Filipinos, and I was quite pleased to still have Filipino food options on these flights.
In Business Class, I was excited to try some of the cocktails on the menu: Captain’s Punch made with the Tanduay Superior Rum; Planters’ Punch, Cuba Libre, and Long Island made with the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold; and Mojito made with the Tanduay White Rum. All are highly recommended!
As usual, special dietary requirements are also catered to upon request.
Service with a smile
The Wamos cabin crew are attentive to the needs of passengers and go above and beyond to make the journey comfortable. I appreciated their charismatic hospitality on board. It was a pleasant experience to see the crew smile throughout the service. I noticed some Filipino passengers testing their Spanish language skills with them! The crew is also happy to engage in friendly chats with passengers.
Additionally, knowing that two to three PAL staff members are present onboard provides added reassurance, especially for travellers who require a crew member who can speak Filipino. While I didn’t see a need from anyone on my flights, passengers who need additional support are able to reach out to the PAL cabin crew at any time.
More than just a journey
In my opinion, the experience of Philippines Airlines operated by Wamos Air is more than just a journey—it’s an experience that combines the best of two worlds. From the vibrant hospitality of the cabin crew to the flavours of Filipino cuisine served onboard, every aspect of the flight is designed to make passengers feel welcome and comfortable. With the current arrangement expected to continue for the next few months, it’s good to know that the schedules and departure terminals remaining unaffected.
Overall, my experience flying with Philippine Airlines operated by Wamos Air was both refreshing and reassuring, showcasing a seamless blend of Philippine Airlines’ renowned service standards with Wamos Air’s adaptive operational excellence in servicing Filipino and Australian passengers. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this partnership ensures that your journey begins and ends with a smile.
For more information about the PAL Wamos partnership, visit the Philippine Airlines website: https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/pal-flies-to-sydney-and-melbourne-on-a-wamosa330.
