PHILIPPINE AIRLINES! Philippine Flag bearer airline! Safe travel anywhere with accommodating crew!
Philippine Airlines (PAL), founded in February 1941, is the oldest airline in Southeast Asia and the flag carrier of the Philippines. Operated by PAL Holdings under the leadership of British turnaround expert Richard Nuttall (President) and Carlos Luis Fernandez (COO) since early 2025, the airline is undergoing a significant transformation.
✈️ Fleet & Network
Modernizing with wide‑body jets: Includes Boeing 777-300ERs, A350‑900s, A330‑300s, and narrow‑body A321neos/A320s with Dash 8s for regional flights.
Expanding international reach:
Launched Manila–Seattle thrice-weekly flights, increasing to five weekly from Nov 2025.
Added Manila–Da Nang (from July 1, 2025) and Cebu–Ho Chi Minh City (from May 2, 2025).
🌍 Long-Term Ambitions
Fleet upgrades: Ordering nine Airbus A350‑1000s beginning late 2025 to serve North America and Europe, aiming to resume European routes and potentially launch Manila–Paris.
Service expansion: Envisioned new routes to Chicago, Houston, India, and Sapporo once fleet constraints ease.
💼 Performance & Customer Experience
Strong rebound: In 2023, PAL turned a ₱21.2 billion profit—double that of 2022—yielding operating income of $297 million and serving 14.7 million passengers.
Service improvements: Rolled out digital booking tools, launched an e-wallet, revived the in-house pilot school with Australia’s Airways Aviation, and initiated scholarship programs like "Fly With Her" to support female pilots.
Customer feedback: While some travelers have praised new long-haul services, others noted service inconsistencies:
> “Not even a screen in the seat in front… food was ok…but underwhelming.”
“Frequent delays, poor customer service, mishandled baggage… strongly advise exploring alternatives.”
🤝 Partnerships & Codeshares
PAL maintains a broad codeshare network with carriers such as Qatar Airways, American Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and WestJet, enhancing its global connectivity. It also partners with Maya, a leading Philippine digital bank, to boost loyalty through Mabuhay Miles and travel credits.
#PAL at a Glance
Philippine Airlines is on the rise—modernizing its fleet, expanding global routes, and strengthening its brand. If you're seeking direct flights to North America or regional Southeast Asia, PAL is increasingly a contender.