PHILIPPINES. Inflight Sales Group (ISG) is set to launch a new inflight programme onboard Philippines Airlines (PAL) on 1 April after being awarded a five-year duty concession following the recent open tender.
The agreement builds on the relationship that the Hong Kong-based inflight travel retail specialist has had with the carrier since 2011, when PAL first outsourced its supply and marketing.
At a ceremony recently at the airline’s headquarters in Manila, PAL Chairman Lucio C. Tan Sr. took part in the official contract signing along with ISG Group Managing Director Tony Detter.
In addition to the services ISG already provides, the company will also take over management of most elements of the operation from the airline.
As a result, ISG will expand its Philippines-based team, and will be launching a new inflight retail tablet-based POS solution onboard.
Detter said: “It is a very exciting development for us to extend our relationship with PAL. ISG is extremely pleased about working with the airline more closely to build on the success we have had together over the last five years. We have a strong partnership, and our new model will offer greater synergies and a better-quality service to PAL’s passengers.”
He added, “The Philippines is a market where we have seen positive sales growth over the past year, and one where we believe we can leverage our success further. We will offer stronger and more creative, visible promotions, and some great deals for our customers. While the inflight sector has seen a decline according to industry benchmarks, we have seen success with our strategy here and other markets.”
“Our company recognises that our sales force is key to delivering a service that is high quality and genuinely warm and from the heart” – Philippine Airlines Program Manager – Merchandising & Retail Duty Free Program Ms Kitinka Icalina-Bravo
Philippine Airlines Program Manager – Merchandising & Retail Duty Free Program Ms Kitinka Icalina-Bravo commented: “We are eager to start working with the ISG team to build on our success. PAL is committed to supporting further growth by expanding our efforts with the cabin crew, offering them additional training, recognition and enhanced incentives.
“Our company recognises that our sales force is key to delivering a service that is high quality and genuinely warm and from the heart. My background working within the crew community allows me to understand the challenges they face and advocate for the tools they need to be successful.”
About Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines, the flag carrier of the Philippines, is headquartered at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay City. The airline was founded in 1941 and is the oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name.
Out of its hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Clark International Airport near Angeles and Mactan-Cebu International Airport on Cebu, Philippine Airlines serves 31 destinations in the Philippines and 41 overseas destinations in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Oceania, North America and Europe.
More information is available at www.philippineairlines.com
About Inflight Sales Group
Inflight Sales Group (ISG) is the pioneer of airline concession operations, management and marketing, with over 30 years of airline duty free concession management experience. Founded by Jean-Marcel Rouff in 1982 as an exclusive distributor of duty free products from leading prestige brands, ISG has grown to become a leading concessionaire in the airline duty free business. Also see www.inflightsales.com.
