The Philippine Olympic team returned home on August 13 aboard a special Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight, following their participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The flight, designated PR-8888, carried the athletes, officials, and sports leaders back to Manila from Dubai.
Organized by the Philippine Olympic Committee with support from the private sector, the flight served as a homecoming for the athletes who represented the nation on the global stage. Among the athletes on board was double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who was honored as PAL’s “Forever Flyer,” receiving 150,000 Mabuhay Miles annually for life.
“Maraming salamat po sa pagdarasal at pag-suporta sa aming mga atletang Pilipino na naglaro sa Olympics,” Yulo expressed his gratitude during the flight.
Olympic bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio were also recognized, each receiving 80,000 Mabuhay Miles annually for the next three years. “Thank you, PAL, for the 80,000 miles; this is a big help to me and my family. Mabuhay po kayo,” said Petecio. Villegas added, “Maraming salamat, Philippine Airlines; I will definitely use these miles, especially when I travel home to the province.”
The athletes enjoyed business-class meals and complimentary inflight Wi-Fi, and were gifted Tanduay Rhum products as part of their special journey.
PAL Holdings Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III highlighted the airline’s pride in the athletes, stating, “It is a great honor to carry home the heroes of the nation – our Filipino champions who represented their countrymen with pride and distinction on the global stage of the Olympics. Our Philippine Airlines team made sure our athletes had a comfortable journey home with the best of PAL’s wholehearted service on this special flight.”
The homecoming flight underscored the nation’s support for its athletes, who brought honor to the Philippines with their historic participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
PR-8888, operated by an Airbus A321neo (RP-C9930), arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport a few minutes past 7 p.m., after a technical stop in Bangkok, Thailand.
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