Aircraft Carried Relief Supplies For Victims Of Typhoon
Ketsana
Boeing delivered a 777-300ER (Extended Range) to U.S.-based
leasing company GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and its
customer, Philippine Airlines (PAL) Wednesday.
The new airplane is the first 777 to join PAL's fleet and is one
of two leased 777-300ERs the airline will deploy on its
international routes. In addition the airline has four more
777-300ERs on order directly from Boeing from 2007.
Boeing, PAL and three non-profits leveraged this delivery to
bring relief to residents who were recently devastated by the
massive floods from Typhoon Ketsana. With the help of AmeriCares,
Humanitarian International Services Group (HISG) and Kids Against
Hunger, Boeing and PAL loaded nearly 18,000 pounds of medical
supplies and packaged meals into the cargo hold of the
777-300ER.
"It is our great hope that this collaborative effort will bring
some comfort to the flood victims during this very challenging
time," said Fred Kiga, vice president, State and Local Government
Relations and Global Corporate Citizenship for the Northwest
Region.
Jaime J. Bautista, PAL president, who led a small PAL delegation
that joined the delivery flight to Manila, said he was glad to be
able to personally deliver the relief donations to the Philippines.
"The airlift of relief goods is inherent to our mandate as the
Philippines flag carrier. Earlier, we conducted a similar airlift
of relief from local donors. I am sure these donations will go a
long way in alleviating the plight of the victims and help in
rebuilding their lives," Bautista said.
The addition of the 777-300ER to the PAL fleet brings new
twin-engine efficiency to the airline's long-haul fleet. The
airplanes are powered by General Electric GE90-115BLs. The
777-300ER is well known for its cargo capacity -- up to 7,120 cubic
feet (201.6 cubic meters).
"The Boeing 777-300ER is a great choice for PAL, giving Asia's
first commercial airline the most efficient airplane in the
300-to-400 seat segment," said Rob Laird, vice president of Sales
for East and Southeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It
provides the airline the flexibility to serve key markets worldwide
while offering its passengers the highest levels of comfort and
reliability."
Philippine Airlines, the national flag carrier, conducted its
first flight March 15, 1941, and has been operating longer than any
other airline in Asia. PAL is a long-time Boeing customer and
currently operates five Boeing 747-400s.