Philippine Airlines (PAL) — Asia’s first commercial airline — soars higher thanks to the support of its loyal patrons and the company’s unwavering commitment to more stringent corporate and financial housekeeping.
PAL Holdings, Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III recently recognized the airline’s top US-based patrons during the “Million Milers Night” at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel. He also revealed a series of positive developments, including record income, new routes and the acquisition of new planes, which put the country’s flag carrier in a stronger financial position.
The Million Milers are PAL’s top patrons who have accumulated one million or more PAL flight miles. To date, PAL has 537 Million Milers throughout the world, 154 of which come from North America.
“A million miles flown with PAL is more than a personal milestone, it is a testament to the deep connection we have built with you. It is your steadfast support, your choice to fly with us again and again, that strengthens our purpose and drives us to serve better,” said Tan in his welcome address.
He also paid homage to his grandfather, PAL chairman Dr. Lucio C. Tan, whose guiding vision inspires him to lead the aviation company to even greater heights. “‘Everywhere we go, we make sure that PAL displays the warmth, smile, and everything good about the Philippines and our people,’ Dr. Tan has often said — a sentiment that remains at the heart of PAL’s mission. This spirit of service defines Philippine Airlines. From the first greeting at the airport to the final farewell on board, PAL carries more than passengers — it carries the warmth, hospitality, and pride of the Filipino people to the world,” he added
Soaring higher
Tan also reported during the Million Milers Night that PAL posted a net income of $151.1 million and an operating income of $314.4 million in 2024 — the highest earnings among locally operated aviation companies in the Philippines.
Aside from the company’s strong financial performance, Tan announced that aviation analytics firm Cirium also recognized the airline company as the most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region for April 2025, with an 86.07 percent on-time performance rate. This builds on PAL’s global Top 7 ranking for punctuality in 2024.
“Behind these achievements are the thousands of PAL professionals who work tirelessly to deliver safe, comfortable and on-time journeys, many of whom have served you directly throughout your travels,” he said.
He also disclosed key leadership changes in PAL as it recently welcomed Richard Nuttall as president and promoted lawyer Carlos Luis Fernandez to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Tan is confident that Nuttall and Fernandez will “lead PAL to a steadier path of growth.”
A larger fleet, a wider route network
Like Tan, Fernandez lauded the flag carrier’s US-based Million Milers for their loyalty as he shared key developments in PAL.
“Your loyalty has carried us through challenges, inspired our progress, and propelled us toward new horizons. On behalf of the entire PAL team, thank you — for your trust, your patronage, and your belief in the flag carrier and the Heart of the Filipino,” he said.
He disclosed the enhancements to PAL’s Upgrade Travel Certificate (UTC) program that will allow for easier cabin upgrades, and a new mileage-earning partnership with Alaska Airlines.
PAL customers will also benefit from the airline’s better digital infrastructure, with its redesigned website and app that feature multicurrency pricing, and improved accessibility with the inclusion of eight more languages.
He also announced route network developments, such as the new Cebu–Ho Chi Minh route and an upcoming service between Manila and Da Nang. Other resumed and new routes include Manila–Seattle, Cauayan and Clark–Siargao, which aim to strengthen PAL’s domestic hubs in Cebu and Clark. PAL has been aggressively expanding its international network, connecting the Philippines to strategically located leisure destinations, business centers and OFW markets across the globe.
Lastly, Fernandez confirmed the arrival of the first of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft this year, and the refurbishment of 18 A321ceo aircraft in a bid to make PAL globally competitive.
The event was emceed by news personality Ginger Conejero, and featured song numbers by Ogie Alcasid and Filipino American Singer Stephanie Reese.
