Company Overview
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the national carrier of the Philippines. Founded in 1941, it is the oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name. PAL operates from four hub airports in the Philippines to an inclusive total of 25 domestic destinations and 28 points in Asia, Australia/Oceania, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
PAL has a fleet of narrow and wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A320s, A321s, A330s, A350s, and Boeing 777s. In 2018, PAL received a 4-star rating from Skytrax, making it the first and only airline in the Philippines to receive such recognition.
PAL is committed to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable air travel for its passengers. The airline offers a range of inflight services, including inflight entertainment, meals, and beverages. Passengers can also enjoy the convenience of online check-in and the PAL mobile app, which allows them to book flights, check flight status, and manage their bookings on the go.
PAL is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities. The airline partners with various organizations to implement environmental and social initiatives, such as reducing single-use plastics onboard and supporting local livelihood programs.
History
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the oldest airline in Asia operating under its original name, having been founded in 1941. The airline was established by a group of businessmen, and its first flight with a twin-engine, five-seater Beech Model 18 aircraft took off from Nielsen airfield in Makati in March 1941. Since then, the airline has undergone several changes and developments.
Early Years
PAL started as a domestic carrier, serving Manila, Baguio, and other cities in the Philippines. During World War II, the airline suspended operations but resumed service in 1946. In the 1950s, PAL expanded its operations to international destinations, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Taipei.
Expansion Period
In the 1970s and 1980s, PAL continued to expand its route network and fleet, introducing new aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10. The airline also became the first in Asia to offer a frequent flyer program, Mabuhay Miles.
Recent Developments
In recent years, PAL has undergone significant changes, including a change in ownership and management. The airline has also modernized its fleet, introducing new aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777. PAL has also expanded its route network, with new destinations in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The airline has also invested in improving its services, including the introduction of new in-flight entertainment and onboard Wi-Fi.
Fleet Information
Aircraft Types
Philippine Airlines operates a fleet of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft from five families, including PAL Express fleet. The airline’s current fleet includes the Airbus A320ceo family, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and Boeing 777. The Airbus A321neo is the newest addition to the fleet, accommodating up to 236 passengers in a single-class configuration. The Airbus A350 boasts a range of up to 8,000 nautical miles and can carry up to 295 passengers, while the Boeing 777-300ER has a range of up to 7,370 nautical miles and can carry up to 370 passengers.
Fleet Size
As of July 2023, Philippine Airlines’ fleet consists of over 90 aircraft, including 10 Airbus A321neo, 15 Airbus A330-300, 6 Airbus A350-900, and 8 Boeing 777-300ER. The airline also operates a number of Airbus A320ceo family aircraft, including A320-200, A321-200, and A321-200NX. Additionally, the carrier has a number of aircraft on order, including 12 Airbus A321neo, 6 Airbus A350-900, and 4 Boeing 777-300ER, which will further expand its fleet in the coming years.
Destinations
Philippine Airlines serves both domestic and international destinations. Here is an overview of the airline’s routes.
Domestic Routes
As of July 2023, Philippine Airlines serves 32 domestic destinations in the Philippines. Some of the popular destinations include Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Boracay. The airline offers daily flights to these destinations, with multiple flights per day for some of the more popular routes.
International Routes
Philippine Airlines flies to 39 international destinations in 21 countries as of July 2023. The airline’s international network covers destinations in Asia, North America, and Oceania. Some of the popular international destinations include Los Angeles, Vancouver, Sydney, and Tokyo. The airline also operates flights to several destinations in China, South Korea, and Japan.
Please note that the list of destinations is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to Philippine Airlines’ official website.
Services
In-Flight Services
Philippine Airlines provides a range of in-flight services to make your travel experience comfortable and enjoyable. Passengers can enjoy a selection of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music. The airline also provides complimentary meals and beverages, with special meals available upon request for passengers with dietary restrictions. For long-haul flights, passengers can enjoy the comfort of lie-flat seats in the business class cabin.
Ground Services
Philippine Airlines offers a range of ground services to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. Passengers can check-in online or at the airport, with dedicated check-in counters for business class passengers and members of the airline’s frequent flyer program. Baggage allowance varies depending on the destination and class of travel, with excess baggage fees applied for additional baggage. The airline also provides wheelchair assistance and medical assistance for passengers with special needs.
Overall, Philippine Airlines strives to provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Philippine Airlines (PAL) Foundation is committed to promoting social sustainability through its programs that engage with underprivileged communities. The foundation extends humanitarian assistance for the welfare of neglected members of Philippine society, including youth, elderly, medical patients, and disaster victims.
PAL’s Medical Travel Grant Program provides free airfare to financially challenged patients who need to travel to Manila for medical treatment. The program has helped thousands of patients from all over the country receive the medical care they need.
PAL also supports environmental sustainability by implementing measures to reduce its carbon footprint. The airline has invested in fuel-efficient aircraft and implemented waste reduction programs. PAL has also partnered with local communities to promote eco-tourism and conservation efforts.
Overall, PAL is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and contributing to the social and environmental development of the Philippines.
Financial Performance
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has experienced a mixed financial performance in recent years. In 2022, the airline posted an operating income of USD 297.2 million and a total comprehensive income of USD 196.9 million, marking a significant improvement from previous years. However, the airline also reported a loss of P16.6 billion in the first half of 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry.
PAL has taken steps to improve its financial position, including reducing its fleet size and taking in more short-term loans. The airline’s financial reports show that it has been able to sustain its global links and improve its services, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
PAL’s financial performance is closely watched by investors and industry analysts, as the airline is a major player in the Philippine aviation market. Its ability to navigate the current economic climate and maintain its position as a leading airline in the region will be critical to its long-term success.
Future Plans
Philippine Airlines has ambitious plans to become one of the top three full-service airlines in Asia by 2025, according to its new president and COO, Captain Gilbert Santa Maria. The airline aims to achieve this by expanding its fleet, improving its services, and enhancing its route network.
To achieve its goal, Philippine Airlines plans to acquire new aircraft, including the Airbus A321neo and A350-900, to replace older planes and expand its capacity. The airline also plans to increase its flights to the United States, Canada, and Europe, and expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition, Philippine Airlines plans to improve its in-flight services, including its inflight entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. The airline also plans to enhance its loyalty program, Mabuhay Miles, to provide more benefits and rewards to its frequent flyers.