Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest commercial airline still in operation. With a rich history spanning over eight decades, PAL has established itself as a crucial part of the Philippine transportation infrastructure and a significant player in the global aviation industry.
History
Philippine Airlines was established on February 26, 1941, as Philippine Air Lines, following the acquisition of its operational franchise from the Philippine Aerial Taxi Company (PATCO) by a group of businessmen led by Andrés Soriano and Ramón J. Fernández. The airline’s inaugural flight took place on March 15, 1941, carrying just five passengers from Manila to Baguio using a Beechcraft Model 18 aircraft.
The company’s origins actually date back to 1931 when visionary entrepreneur Andres Soriano founded the Philippine Aerial Taxi Company. However, he closed this fledgling aviation firm in 1939 and replaced it with PAL a few years later.
Operations were temporarily suspended during World War II but resumed in 1946. In a significant milestone for Asian aviation, PAL became the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific with a flight from Manila to Oakland, California, cementing its status as a pioneering carrier.
Through the decades, PAL has weathered various challenges including privatization in 1966 when chairman Benigno Toda Jr. acquired a majority stake, followed by re-nationalization in 1977 when the Government Service Insurance System obtained the majority of shares.
The 1997 Asian financial crisis significantly impacted the airline, forcing major restructuring measures: terminating services to Europe and the Middle East, suspending most domestic routes except those operating from Manila, reducing its fleet size, and laying off thousands of employees. In September 1998, PAL ceased operations temporarily and entered receivership.
Fortunately, operations resumed in October 1998, and the airline gradually reinstated many of its domestic and international routes. After implementing a comprehensive rehabilitation plan approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, PAL successfully exited receivership in 2007 and has since worked to reestablish its position as a leading carrier in the Asia-Pacific region.
Quick Facts
- Founded: February 26, 1941
- Type: Flag carrier airline
- IATA Code: PR
- ICAO Code: PAL
- Callsign: Philippine
- Headquarters: PNB Financial Center, Pasay, Philippines
- Frequent Flyer Program: Mabuhay Miles
- Alliance: None (operates through codeshare agreements)
- Skytrax Rating: 4-Star Airline (achieved in 2018)
- Employees: Over 7,000
- Daily Flights: Approximately 400
- Annual Passengers: Around 18 million
Fleet
Philippine Airlines operates a diverse fleet composed of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft from five families (including PAL Express fleet): Airbus A320ceo family, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and Boeing 777.
As of 2024, the airline operates approximately 79 aircraft with an average fleet age of 6.8 years. The fleet breakdown includes:
- Airbus A321ceo/neo: Used for short and medium-haul flights serving Southeast and East Asia along with major domestic routes
- Airbus A330-300: Deployed primarily on Asia, Oceania, Middle East routes, and flights to Honolulu and Guam
- Airbus A350-900: Currently operates ultra-long-haul flights to destinations like New York and Toronto
- Boeing 777-300ER: Used for long-haul flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, and Seattle
In a significant fleet expansion move, Philippine Airlines finalized a purchase agreement with Airbus in 2023 for nine A350-1000 long-range aircraft. These aircraft were selected under the carrier’s Ultra Long Haul Fleet project and will fly non-stop services from Manila to North America, including the East Coast of the US and Canada.
The first of these nine A350-1000s is slated for delivery by the fourth quarter of 2025, with deliveries continuing until 2027. The airline has also secured purchase rights on three additional A350-1000s for future expansion to new long-haul destinations.
Hubs and Network
Philippine Airlines operates scheduled non-stop flights from its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to 33 other destinations within the Philippines. Additionally, it offers flights to 39 other destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.
The airline’s main operational hubs are:
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – Primary hub
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (Cebu) – Secondary hub
- Clark International Airport (Angeles) – Regional hub
- Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao) – Regional hub
These strategically located hubs enable PAL to efficiently connect passengers across domestic and international destinations.
Premium Services
Philippine Airlines operates as a full-service carrier offering multiple cabin classes:
- Business Class: Available on all wide-body aircraft and select narrow-body aircraft
- Premium Economy: Available on A350 aircraft
- Economy Class: Available on all aircraft
In-flight amenities include personal entertainment systems on long-haul flights, complimentary meals and beverages, and Mabuhay Lounge access for premium passengers.
Contact Information
Reservations and Customer Support:
- Phone: +63-2-8855-8888 (Manila)
- International Toll-Free Number: 1-800-435-9725 (US and Canada)
- Email: support@philippineairlines.com
- Website: www.philippineairlines.com
Head Office: Philippine Airlines, Inc. PNB Financial Center President Diosdado Macapagal Avenue CCP Complex, Pasay City 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
Social Media:
- Facebook: @flyPAL
- Twitter: @flyPAL
- Instagram: @philippineairlines
Future of Philippine Airlines
With its fleet expansion plans, particularly the acquisition of A350-1000 aircraft, Philippine Airlines is positioning itself for significant growth in ultra-long-haul markets. According to Captain Stanley K. Ng, President and Chief Operating Officer, these aircraft will enable the airline to fly non-stop transpacific and transpolar routes in both directions all year.
The A350-1000 fleet, which will accommodate 380 passengers in a three-class layout, represents PAL’s commitment to operating one of the youngest and most modern widebody fleets in Asia. This investment will allow PAL to closely match capacity to predicted demand on the longest routes to North America and potentially reestablish direct links from the Philippines to Europe.
The airline is also embracing sustainability goals, with the new A350-1000s expected to help reduce its carbon footprint through improved fuel efficiency compared to older aircraft. Additional fleet modernization includes plans to replace aging A330-300s in the coming years.
PAL continues to recover strongly from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. After successfully emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in January 2022, the airline posted an operating income of $297.2 million and a total comprehensive income of $196.9 million for 2022, marking its first positive full-year operating income since 2019.
As air travel demand continues to grow across Asia and beyond, Philippine Airlines aims to strengthen its position as the Philippines’ premier full-service carrier while expanding its global footprint through strategic route development and enhanced customer experiences. With its historic legacy and ambitious future plans, PAL remains a symbol of Filipino hospitality and aviation excellence in the skies.
Keyword: TopAirlines