Philippine telco PLDT announced on Wednesday it has a secured a PHP2 billion (US$34.4 million) social loan facility from HSBC Philippines to finance its fibre infrastructure rollouts to underserved and unserved communities.
The news is likely to have significant ramifications for long-haul travel into Australia, given the tie-up with Virgin is a major incentive for customers to book travel with Etihad. Abu Dhabi itself offers onward connections to more than 130 destinations.
Starting in May 2025 for the peak season, the low-cost carrier will add a fifth weekly flight on Saturdays from Sydney to the Pacific destination, on a route served by its A321neo LR (NEO) fleet.
The company previously announced the proposed sale of Quickstep Aerospace Services and its maintenance, repair and overhaul operation based in Tullamarine, Victoria.