Today Philippine Airlines (PAL) was announced as the Official Airline Partner of AFL Europe. The partnership will assist the ongoing development of Australian Football in Europe, whilst supporting PAL's ongoing growth of its network.

David Cochrane, Country Manager UK & Ireland of Philippine Airlines, Asia's first airline and the country's flag carrier and Ryan Davey, AFL Europe General Manager, were thrilled to announce the partnership.

Cochrane said: “Australian Football unites not only the UK and Australia but also people from all walks of life around the world. AFL Europe's motto of 'Structured, United & Respectful In Everything We Do' embodies the same values we share at PAL. Therefore, we are very proud to be the Official Airline Partner of AFL Europe and we look forward to connecting their players, umpires, administrators and fans with the rest of the world.

Davey echoed Cochrane's sentiments saying, “AFL Europe is excited to be partnering with Philippine Airlines for the 2017 Season. With their help, we can continue to provide more support to our Australian Football Community throughout Europe and ensure that we can continue to grow this great game of ours.”

PAL currently serves Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Cairns and Melbourne via Manila. Non-stop daily flights from London Heathrow to Manila allow its guests to connect seamlessly to PAL's Australian destinations via its dedicated terminal.

On Melbourne and Sydney routes PAL operates tri-class Airbus A330s with enhanced Premium Economy, with all seats equipped with USB ports and power outlets. In Business Class every seat is an aisle seat, offering legroom of 44 inches, width of 23-24 inches and a full-flat recline with a bed length of 78 inches.

ABOUT AFL EUROPE

AFL Europe is the representative body for Australia Football in Europe, with over 20 countries across the continent actively playing Australian Football. AFL Europe's vision is to increase the awareness and participation of Australian Football throughout Europe.

AFL Europe promotes the sport through a host of events including, but not limited to, Champions League, ANZAC Cup, AFL Grand Final Lunch and Euro Cup. These events in collaboration with their game development programs focused on umpiring and coaching aim to provide sustainable growth across the continent.

ABOUT PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

Philippine Airlines, Asia's first airline and the country's flag carrier, operates an extensive route network of 43 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Non-stop daily flights from London Heathrow Terminal 3 to Manila connect our guests to 31 domestic destinations in the Philippines and beyond.

PAL is the Philippines' only full service carrier, with luxurious cabin amenities, inflight entertainment and connectivity, sumptuous inflight dishes, and heartwarming service.

Today, the PAL fleet consists of 80 aircraft – Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A340, A330, A321, Bombardier Q400 and Q300. PAL is the first Philippine-based carrier certified safe by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and only airline with Business Class in domestic service. From 16th December 2017, PAL will operate a brand new Boeing 777-300ER on the London-Manila route.

In 2016, PAL crafted a new corporate vision - to be a five-star airline. In support of this goal, a new brand philosophy was unveiled, embodying warm and caring service that can only come from the Heart of the Filipino.

We bring the best of the Philippines and the best of the Filipino to you - the friendliness of our people, the beauty of our islands, the splendor of our sunset, the wonderful variety of our delicious food, the richness of our history and culture, the fun in our everyday life, the Heart of the Filipino.