Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the flag carrier of the Philippines and the oldest operating commercial airline in Asia. It was founded on February 26, 1941, and is headquartered at the Lucio K. Tan Jr. Center in Pasay, Philippines. The airline operates domestic and international flights, with its main hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and secondary hubs in Cebu, Clark, and Davao. PAL is owned by PAL Holdings, a subsidiary of LT Group, and its frequent-flyer program is called Mabuhay Miles. The airline’s subsidiary, PAL Express, primarily serves domestic routes.

Philippine Airlines's fleet consists of 48 aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing models, and it serves 73 destinations worldwide. It has codeshare agreements with multiple airlines, including All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

The airline faced financial difficulties during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, leading to downsizing and restructuring. In 2021, PAL filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to losses from the COVID-19 pandemic but successfully restructured within four months. The airline continues to expand, adding new routes, acquiring new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, and restoring long-haul flights.

Philippine Airlines offers three service classes: Business, Premium Economy (Comfort Class for domestic flights), and Economy. Its in-flight services include personal entertainment screens, Wi-Fi, and meals. The Mabuhay Lounge is available for business class and elite frequent-flyer members.

The airline has historically operated flights to Europe and the US, and it was the first Southeast Asian airline to cross the Pacific in 1946. PAL played a major role in repatriation flights during the COVID-19 pandemic and was the first Philippine carrier to transport vaccines.

Philippine Airlines competes with Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia in the domestic and international markets. Despite challenges, PAL continues to grow and modernise its fleet and services.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) was founded on February 26, 1941, as Philippine Air Lines after acquiring the franchise of Philippine Aerial Taxi Company (PATCO), which was established in 1930. It became Asia’s first commercial airline and began operations on March 15, 1941, with a Beechcraft Model 18 flying from Manila to Baguio. Operations were suspended during World War II, as PAL’s aircraft and crew were integrated into military service. After the war, the airline resumed operations on February 14, 1946, with a fleet of Douglas DC-3 aircraft, launching domestic flights across the Philippines. Later that year, PAL became the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific, operating a Douglas DC-4 from Manila to Oakland, California, with stopovers in Guam, Kwajalein, and Honolulu.

By 1947, PAL expanded to Europe, launching flights to Madrid, Spain, and establishing itself as the first Southeast Asian airline to operate in Europe. In 1948, the Philippine government designated PAL as the country’s official flag carrier, consolidating its operations. The airline continued to expand internationally throughout the 1950s and 1960s, adding destinations in Asia, North America, and Australia.

In 1970, PAL introduced its first jet aircraft, the Boeing 707, and expanded its long-haul network. During the 1980s, the airline modernised its fleet with Boeing 747s and Airbus A300s, increasing capacity for transpacific and European routes. In 1992, the Philippine government fully privatised PAL, leading to management changes and fleet expansion.

The 1997 Asian financial crisis severely impacted PAL, forcing it to cut international and domestic routes, reduce fleet size, and lay off thousands of employees. In 1998, PAL entered receivership but managed to gradually recover, exiting financial rehabilitation in 2007. The airline resumed international services and invested in new aircraft, including the Boeing 777-300ER.

Between 2010 and 2013, PAL faced a European Union ban due to safety concerns but regained access in 2013, resuming flights to London-Heathrow. In 2018, PAL launched one of the world’s longest non-stop flights, flying Manila to New York JFK using an Airbus A350-900.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused severe losses, forcing PAL to reduce operations, cut flights, and repatriate stranded passengers worldwide. PAL played a key role in transporting medical supplies, vaccines, and overseas Filipino workers. In September 2021, PAL filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States, citing heavy financial losses. The restructuring process was completed in December 2021, allowing PAL to continue operations with a restructured debt plan.

In 2023, PAL announced the acquisition of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to modernise its long-haul fleet. It resumed flights on multiple international routes, including services to Perth, Australia, and increased domestic connectivity. PAL continued its fleet expansion and ordered additional aircraft to support future growth.

In 2024, PAL strengthened its regional and long-haul network, adding direct services to more North American, European, and Australian destinations. It introduced new digital booking systems and enhanced in-flight services to improve customer experience. The airline also launched sustainability initiatives, investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and carbon offset programmes.

By 2025, PAL is expected to complete the delivery of its Airbus A350-1000 fleet, further improving long-haul services. It plans to expand its domestic and international operations while maintaining financial stability. The airline remains the flag carrier of the Philippines, operating a modern fleet and serving millions of passengers annually.

Philippine Airlines aims to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable air travel for passengers across domestic and international routes. The airline is committed to delivering quality service with a strong focus on customer satisfaction, efficiency, and operational excellence. It strives to connect people, businesses, and communities while supporting the economic growth of the Philippines. PAL continues to invest in modern aircraft, enhance digital services, and improve its sustainability efforts to reduce environmental impact. As the flag carrier, it upholds Filipino hospitality and service, ensuring a seamless travel experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational integrity.

Philippine Airlines envisions being a globally recognised airline, known for excellent service, modern fleet, and strong network connectivity. It aims to strengthen its position as the Philippines' leading airline, expanding its reach to more destinations worldwide. PAL seeks to embrace innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability to improve passenger experience and reduce its carbon footprint. The airline is dedicated to continuous improvement in service, safety, and operational efficiency. By fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing its offerings, PAL aspires to be the preferred choice for travellers while contributing to the economic progress of the country and the aviation industry.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) offers a range of products and services designed to meet the travel needs of passengers on both domestic and international routes. As the flag carrier of the Philippines, PAL provides a full-service flying experience with multiple travel classes, in-flight entertainment, meals, lounges, and frequent-flyer benefits.

Passenger Services

PAL offers three main travel classes:

Business Class – This premium class provides lie-flat seats on long-haul flights, priority boarding, lounge access, gourmet meals, and personal entertainment screens. Seats on select aircraft include reclining and extra legroom options for medium-haul and domestic flights.

Premium Economy (Comfort Class for domestic flights) – Passengers enjoy extra legroom, wider seats, priority check-in, and improved in-flight services.

Economy Class – This is the most affordable option, offering comfortable seating, in-flight meals, and personal entertainment screens on select flights.

All passengers receive complimentary baggage allowance, though the limits depend on ticket type and destination. PAL also offers prepaid baggage options for those who need additional luggage.

Mabuhay Miles (Frequent-Flyer Programme)

PAL operates Mabuhay Miles, a frequent-flyer programme that allows passengers to earn points when they fly with PAL or its partner airlines. These points can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, and other benefits. Mabuhay Miles has different membership tiers, including Classic, Elite, Premier Elite, and Million Miler, with increasing benefits at higher levels.

In-Flight Services

PAL provides a range of in-flight services, ensuring a comfortable journey:

Meals and Beverages – PAL offers complimentary meals on all international and selected domestic flights. Business Class passengers enjoy chef-curated dishes, while Economy Class passengers receive regional meals and snacks. Special meal requests, such as vegetarian, halal, and diabetic meals, can be made in advance.

In-Flight Entertainment – Long-haul flights feature personal entertainment screens with movies, music, TV shows, and games. Some aircraft also provide wireless streaming, allowing passengers to watch content on their own devices.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity – PAL offers onboard Wi-Fi on select international flights, allowing passengers to stay connected. Paid Wi-Fi packages are available for browsing, social media, and emails.

Duty-Free Shopping – PAL’s Sky Boutique allows passengers to purchase tax-free products, including perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs, on international flights.

Airport Services

PAL operates Mabuhay Lounges in major airports, providing a comfortable waiting area for Business Class and Elite Mabuhay Miles members. The lounges offer complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, workspaces, and charging ports. Lounges are available in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other select locations.

PAL also offers priority check-in, fast-track security, and premium boarding services for Business Class and frequent-flyer members. Passengers can also pre-select seats and add travel insurance when booking tickets.

Cargo Services

PAL provides cargo transport for goods, perishables, and medical supplies. This service ensures the fast and secure delivery of shipments across PAL’s domestic and international network. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PAL played a major role in transporting vaccines and essential medical supplies.

Charter Flights and Special Services

PAL offers charter flight services for government agencies, corporate clients, and private groups. It also provides medical evacuation, humanitarian aid, and repatriation flights when needed.