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Philippine Airlines to explore codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines

Philippine flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced it will be exploring a codeshare agreement with Seattle-based Alaska Airlines as of Friday, 2nd May. The potential codeshare arrangements are expected to cover key cities in both airlines’ networks, further enhancing connectivity and offering travelers more convenient options in flying between the Philippines and the United States. Per an official statement: "Philippine Airlines and Alaska Airlines offer easy connections through PAL’s US West Coast gateways, namely Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, as well as via Honolulu. PAL passengers will gain greater access to a wide range of US destinations that are part of Alaska Airlines’ extensive domestic network.” Redeeming miles on two networks Exploring the codeshare deal comes as both carriers inked a partnership that will soon allow their passengers to fully avail of their respective loyalty programmes The PAL-Alaska Airlines collaboration will soon allow members of both airlines' loyalty programmes to earn and redeem miles across each other's networks, providing greater flexibility and rewards for travelers when the tie-up takes effect in the coming months. PAL vice-president for marketing Alvin Miranda said of this: “We are proud to partner with Alaska Airlines to deliver even greater value to our Mabuhay Miles members. This strategic collaboration significantly expands our network and flight options, enabling our Mabuhay Miles members to enjoy enhanced connectivity and flexibility in how and where they use their miles.” For his part, Alaska Airlines’ chief commercial officer Andrew Harrison remarked that PAL is a terrific addition to its roster of global airlines offering world-class service and amenities. Harrison said: “The large Filipino communities living in Hawaii, California and Washington state can travel on Philippine Airlines’ long-haul, widebody aircraft and soon earn valuable Mileage Plan miles on their transpacific journeys.” The frequent flyer collaboration will also enhance the existing partnership between PAL and Hawaiian Airlines, another member of the Alaska Airlines Group. In addition to PAL continuing to offer Hawaiian codeshare flights to Maui, Hilo, Kona, and Lihue via Honolulu, Hawaiian Airlines flyers will soon be able to earn and redeem miles on Philippine Airlines when they use their Mileage Plan number. 

Air

Philippine Airlines reports 14th consecutive quarter of profitability

Philippine Airlines Inc (PAL) continues to stay profitable, as it reported a net income of US$77 million in the first quarter of this year. This is the airline’s 14th consecutive positive quarter since the pandemic. PAL generated US$ 817 million in revenues for the first quarter, reflecting a decline of 1 percent, primarily driven by lower yields as well as a shift in the peak Holy Week travel period from March to April. Meanwhile, there was a 5 percent increase in passenger carriage compared to where it was in the first quarter of 2024, reporting a total of 4.1 million passengers within three months. At the same time, PAL Cargo carried 52.6M kgs. of cargo whilst operating more than 28,000 flights across its international and domestic network.   PAL also logged an operating income of US$75 million for the quarter.  Growing stronger Capacity offerings remained steady for Q1, in the context of a calibrated multi-year expansion program.  PAL launched routes from Manila to Cauayan and from Cebu to Catarman this quarter, and announced new routes from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh, and from Manila to Danang, commencing in May and July, respectively.  Operating expenses for the quarter rose by five percent year-on-year to US$741 million, reflecting higher airport charges, third party contract costs and depreciation, offsetting lower fuel costs.   The quarterly results also included the recognition of credits issued to PAL by a vendor as special support compensation for grounded aircraft that occurred in 2023 and 2024.  Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were US$175 million, three percent higher than in the fourth quarter of last year, but 11 percent lower than the Q1-2024 level.   EBITDA margins remained healthy at 21 percent.  PAL’s balance sheet continued to strengthen with total long-term obligations decreasing to US$1.37 billion, while total equity improved to US$862 million, driven by the sustained earnings of the Company.  PAL president and chief operating officer Stanley K Ng said: “We are greatly encouraged by the support of our valued customers who choose to fly on Philippine Airlines’ global network, and for whom we are investing in progressive product and service improvements, fleet renewal efforts and digital innovations, with safety and reliability as our topmost concerns.” On top of positive earnings and leadership movements, PAL along with affiliate carrier PAL Express notched a recent safety milestone by respectively completing their IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Renewal Risk Based Audit, confirming the PAL Group’s conformance with the highest international aviation safety standards.   PAL completed ten consecutive successful IATA audit renewals since its first IOSA registration in 2006, while PAL Express marked six successful IOSA renewals since its original registration in 2014.   

Agreements / Understandings / Contract Signings

Philippine Airlines to reopen PAL Aviation School

Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to reopen the PAL Aviation School as a prominent training center for new pilots. The institution will be managed under a strategic partnership with the globally recognized flight training organization Airways Aviation Group. By doing so, PAL aims to deliver best-in-class pilot training as part of its long-term commitment to operational excellence, safety and workforce development.  Furthermore, this partnership underscores Philippine Airlines’ drive to ensure that its cadets receive consistent, world-class instruction that meets the highest global aviation standards.  Backed by a strong track record Following an extensive evaluation process, Airways Aviation’s Australia-based training academy was selected for its strong track record in delivering high-quality, internationally aligned pilot training programs.  PAL president and chief operating officer Stanley K Ng said: “Airways Aviation met our stringent requirements and demonstrated their robust emphasis on safety culture and competency-based training methodologies. We value the importance of in-house training in shaping pilots with a global outlook, armed with the exceptional skills and innovative spirit required to meet the challenges of the future.”  PAL OIC and executive vice-president Carlos Luis Fernandez added: “Our revitalized Aviation School will help develop this vital workforce: individuals who are not only outstanding in their craft but also globally minded citizens committed to building a sustainable future for aviation. This meaningful collaboration with Airways Aviation draws from the deep well of expertise and shared commitment to excellence that both our organizations are known for.”  This partnership also represents a significant step forward in the strengthening of education and training bonds between the Philippines and Australia, reinforcing both countries’ roles in shaping a safer, more skilled and more resilient global aviation workforce.  For his part, Airways Aviation Group founder and chair Romy Hawatt declared: “We are honoured to be selected as the official training provider for the next generation of Philippine Airlines pilots. This partnership is not only a recognition of our global training capabilities, but a testament to the shared values and vision that bind our two organizations. Together, we are investing in the future of aviation.”  Hawatt likewise pointed out that this is more than just another training programme; rather, it is a strategic alliance built on trust, ambition and a shared commitment to aviation excellence and sustainability.  The first group of cadets will commence Foundation training and undergo assessment and selection processes in the Philippines followed by advanced aviation theory and practical training at Airways Aviation’s Australian campuses, where they will receive comprehensive instruction supported by expert faculty, industry-leading technology, and hands-on practical experience.  Philippine Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing home-grown talent by combining local investment with global best practice, ensuring its pilots are equipped to operate at the highest level of safety and professionalism. 

Air

Philippine Airlines introduces its PAL e-Wallet

Philippine Airlines (PAL) introduces its first-ever e-Wallet, a handy digital payment solution that enables passengers to store multiple PAL e-Cards in a single account.  PAL vice-president for sales and distribution Justin Warby expressed pride in the new addition to the airline’s growing range of offerings, all of which are meant to upgrade each passenger’s digital experience. Warby said: “This user-friendly feature benefits travelers who prefer paperless transactions and real-time updates in just one click.”  A handy travel companion PAL e-Cards such as the PAL e-Gift Card, Dear PAL Miles e-Card, Travel Credits, and Compensation eCards or vouchers may all be consolidated in the PAL e-Wallet account.  At the same time, this new digital wallet may also be used as an alternative payment method for purchasing PAL tickets and ancillaries, with the exception of upgrades and third-party travel insurance. Other key features of the PAL e-Wallet include the flexibility to auto-currency conversion upon adding eCards to the e-Wallet, the built-in expiration logic for e-Card utilization that ensures passengers get the full value of e-Cards by prioritizing expiring ones, and the name check feature for adding Travel Credits to the e-Wallet.  All of these simplify the redemption process.

Global

Richard Nuttall moves to Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the appointment of British aviation industry veteran Richard Nuttall as its new president. Nuttall takes over from current president Stanley K Ng from 19th May of this year, marking a new phase in the Philippine flag-carrier’s drive to expand its presence in the global aviation sector through stronger corporate leadership. Ng will take on new responsibilities within the Philippine Airlines Group as vice-president of PAL Holdings Inc, as well as a member of the airline’s Board of Directors.  In these roles, Ng is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight to bring the flag carrier to a new level of service and profitability. He said of his incoming successor: “I warmly welcome him to the PAL Group. I believe that under his leadership, we will sustain the momentum we’ve built over the past years.” Among the best people in the industry The new president will report directly to PAL chair and CEO Dr Lucio C Tan, as well as to PAL Holdings Inc president and chief operating officer Lucio C Tan III. Dr Tan said of the new appointee:“Philippine Airlines has always been committed to working with the best people across addition to an already formidable team. I am confident that he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL.” The younger Tan further explained that Nuttall’s appointment is an important part of the company’s medium-term and long-term strategy of building a robust management team and growing our business internationally.  He said: “As President, he will play an active role in bringing a global dimension to the Heart of the Filipino, and I look forward to working closely with him in the days and months ahead.” Exceptional credentials in a dynamic industry Nuttall joins PAL after leadership stints in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.  Most recently he served as CEO of SriLankan Airlines where he led a successful turnaround that saw the carrier return to operational profitability and significantly contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. In addition, Nuttall served as an executive board member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he helped reform the Alliance’s governance structure to accelerate decision-making and deepen airline collaboration. He said of his impending assignment: “I am honoured to join Philippine Airlines at such a pivotal time. The airline has accomplished so much in recent years, and I look forward to building on that progress as we explore new avenues for growth.” Nuttall will be supported by Carlos Luis Fernandez, who also assumes the dual role of executive vice-president and chief operating officer on 29th May. Quo vadis, Philippine Airlines? Backed by the leadership of the Tans and Nuttall, PAL is optimistic about sustaining its momentum in 2025.  The airline posted a net income of PHP10.01 billion in 2024, following record earnings of PHP21 billion in 2023.  This consistent performance solidifies PAL’s position as a resilient and competitive force in the airline industry. Even as the global aviation industry faces increased volatility and uncertainty, the airline remains focused on long-term growth and fleet modernization.  PAL also expects to receive the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s, which will serve as its flagship long-haul aircraft, this year.  The airline is also rolling out newly refurbished A321ceos with upgraded cabins this year, and will take delivery of 13 brand-new A321neos starting 2026.

Air

Philippine Airlines launches direct service between Manila and Da Nang

Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the launch of a new direct route between Manila and the Vietnamese city of Da Nang beginning 1st July. Utilising an Airbus A321 which can carry up to 199 passengers, the thrice-weekly service flies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. In a statement released on Monday, 7th April, airline president Stanley K Ng said: “We at Philippine Airlines are excited to strengthen our close relationship with the Vietnamese people with the introduction of direct Manila-Da Nang flights.” Ng added that PAL is committed to offering greater connectivity and promoting tourism and commerce between the two cities. He concluded with: "We look forward to welcoming more leisure and business travelers onboard our flights to Da Nang.” In recent months, PAL increased flights between Manila and Hanoi to daily and will launch services between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh from 2nd May. Likewise, the Philippine flag-carrier operates eight weekly flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh.

Air

Philippine Airlines presents 2024 annual report

Philippine Airlines (PAL) affirmed the continued progress of its corporate transformation journey as it released its annual financials for 2024. The Philippine national flag-carrier ended the year with a net income of US$151.1 million, achieving a five-percent net margin that outpaced the global airline industry average of three percent, as tracked by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The fourth quarter of 2024 showed an eight-percent increase in system-wide revenues to US$790.2 million, versus the US$733 million reported in the third quarter, even as operating income and net income increased by 296 percent and 19 percent respectively.  This marks PAL's 13th straight profitable quarter that reflects disciplined cost management, sustained passenger demand, and strategic network expansion, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s most resilient full-service air carriers. Solid performance According to airline president and chief operating officer Stanley K Ng: “We are very pleased with the solid financial performance achieved by the Philippine Airlines team, an outcome of greater operational efficiency, improved schedule reliability, and more consistent service across our global network. In 2024, PAL operated five percent more flights while improving on-time-performance by two percent and schedule reliability by four percent.” Ng added that these gains contributed to a significant increase in customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores, which rose to 73 percent, and net promoter scores (NPS), which reached +43, both ranking among the strongest results the airline has delivered to date. Likewise, PAL carried 15.6 million passengers in 2024, six percent higher than in 2023, while mounting a total of 110,867 flights system-wide. This shows an increase of around five percent from the 105,294 flights operated in 2023.  The calibrated expansion of PAL’s network included the launching of Manila-Seattle nonstop flights last October, PAL’s first new US route in nine years, along with progressive increases in frequencies on various international and domestic routes. The incremental growth in passenger carriages and solid financial performance came despite a general moderation of growth rates, inflationary strains and increased competition that put pressure on yields.  PAL generated revenues of US$3.13 billion, down by four percent from the US$3.25 billion recorded in 2023.  Passenger revenues declined by six percent from US$2.87 billion to US$2.70 billion, while cargo and ancillary revenues registered a healthy increase of 12 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Total operating expenses rose by three percent to US$2.82 billion due to higher lease costs and airport charges, although these were offset by lower fuel expenses and more effective cost-management measures. Fuel remains the largest cost item, representing 31 percent of revenues.  Operating income at year’s end was at US$314.4 million, around 37 percent lower than the 2023 total and is proof of  overall market moderation.  Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were at US$614.4 million at end-2024.

Air

Philippine Airlines addresses aviation gender gap with Fly With Her programme

As the world marks International Women’s Month, Philippine Airlines (PAL) seeks to address the gender gap in aviation through its Fly With Her programme. This initiative helps women pursue their dream of flying for the nation’s flag carrier.  In support of the programme, PAL pledged P10 million to its PAL Foundation which oversees the scholarship program for women pilots. Airline vice-president Alvin M Miranda remarked: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reiterate our support to women who dream of flying for and even assuming top positions in the PAL organisation.” Helping dreams take flight  Aside from the financial pledge, PAL is set to release a film inspired by the real-life story of a young girl who dreamt of becoming a pilot. PAL assistant vice-president for pilot affairs Lilybeth T Ng said of this: “When little girls see women take on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same and possibly go beyond.” Indeed, the gender gap in aviation remains significant, with only around six percent of pilots worldwide being women, and PAL has long been a staunch supporter of women in the airline industry.  In 1989, its very own Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria became Southeast Asia’s first woman airline pilot to fly a commercial flight.  She broke barriers again in 1993, by becoming the region’s first woman airline captain.  Since then, PAL continues to lead the way in opening doors for women in the male-dominated industry. By doing so, the Philippine flag-carrier continues to work for clearer and more inclusive skies in aviation, on the strength of its signature service of care that comes from the heart.

Air

Philippine Airlines presents a new direct route between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City

Philippine Airlines (PAL) will soon offer nonstop flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The new PAL Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City-Cebu route takes off as of 2nd May, with an initial schedule of three flights per week. The route will cater to the growing interest of Filipinos in visiting Vietnam, which recorded approximately 216,000 Filipino travelers for 2024, ranking as the ninth most visited destination among Filipinos. This is the first-ever direct air service linking Central Visayas and Vietnam’s main economic and commercial hub. More flights to Vietnam  The Philippine flag carrier is also increasing its Manila-Hanoi-Manila flights to a daily service, up fromthe current five times weekly from 1st April. The new schedule will provide more convenient access between Manila and Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, known for its rich history and cultural treasures. PAL president and COO Stanley K Ng said: “We are pleased to expand Philippine Airlines’ footprint in Vietnam, our next-door neighbor and fellow ASEAN member country, through our new service linking Ho Chi Minh City to Cebu for the very first time. We look forward to boosting tourism, strengthening Cebu’s position as the nation’s emerging business and leisure gateway, and building on the strong and friendly relations between Vietnam and the Philippines. We are excited to invite Vietnamese tourists and business people to take the short hop to Cebu to discover the wonders of our islands and enjoy the warm hospitality of our people.” Other details The Cebu-Ho Chi Minh City flights depart from Mactan-Cebu International Airport every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The return PAL service departs from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan SonNhat International Airport every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The pioneer PAL service will be flown with Airbus A321 jetliners, which accommodate 199 passengers offering both Business Class and Economy Class.

Air

Philippine Airlines launches thrice-weekly Manila-Beijing service

Philippine Airlines is set to operate three nonstop flights per week between Manila and Beijing beginning 30th March. In doing so, the Philippine flag-carrier significantly expands its route network in China, offering flights to four major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Quanzhou, and Xiamen. The nonstop flights will be flown with Airbus A321 aircraft with a total of up to 199 seats and offering both Business Class and Economy services. An honour to serve two nations Philippine Airlines’ president and chief operating officer Stanley K Ng remarked that it is an honour for the airline to contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and China through the new direct Manila-Beijing route. Ng said: “We believe that the Manila-Beijing service will help boost tourism, enhance trade and deepen the friendly ties between the Filipino and Chinese people.” Beijing is the world’s eighth largest city and home to renowned historical treasures that draw millions of visitors from around the globe, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.  The industrial seaport city of Tianjin is just less than an hour away from Beijing via a high-speed train ride. Travelers from Beijing can connect via Manila to Philippine Airlines’ extensive domestic and regional route network, enabling them to fly conveniently to top Philippine destinations such as Cebu, Davao, Boracay and Palawan, or beyond to various destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, and North America.

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Philippine Airlines

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Philippines

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Philippine Airlines

London, UK

5th Civil Aviation South East Asia Summit 2022

5th Civil Aviation South East Asia Summit 2022

The aviation industry in Southeast Asia has recorded significant growth over the past few years. The total seat capacity of Southeast Asia airlines experienced double-digit growth in the four-year period of 2009-2013. It has established itself as one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets – and has huge potential for more rapid growth. Nearly all of the 10 countries that comprise ASEAN have robust economies and expanding middle classes, resulting in a favorable environment for airlines.

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