I have always remained hopeful about Philippine Airlines returning to full strength and profitability. In recent years, the airline has reported steady profits, a sign that it has recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, PAL has more to work on. As the saying goes, “malayo na, pero malayo pa.” With that, I have listed my hopes for PAL under its incoming President, Richard Nuttall.
Just this week, PAL announced a leadership change. Richard Nuttall will take over as President. Current President and COO Capt. Stanley Ng will become PAL Holdings Vice President. Atty. Carlu Fernandez, the current EVP, will serve as COO. These moves suggest PAL is preparing for growth, especially in the international market.
So allow me now to share my four greatest wishes for our airline.
Upcoming aircraft order
Although PAL still has nine Airbus A350-1000s and thirteen A321neos on order, I believe they need more aircraft. PAL Express operates older A320s, with an average age of 15 years. These aircraft are used frequently, which likely means high pressurization cycles and increased maintenance needs. While the A330s remain younger, they are aging, and delivery wait times for Airbus and Boeing continue to grow.
Travel demand has bounced back, with airlines increasing capacity to meet it. PAL may need to place a large aircraft order to replace aging planes and support growth. I hope PAL considers ordering more A350-900s, 787-10s, A330neos, and additional A321/320neos. I also recall they have the option to add three more A350-1000s.
These new aircraft would improve fuel efficiency and enhance passenger comfort.
A more consistent product
I am pleased that PAL plans to refurbish its A321ceos with new seats, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi. This will improve the passenger experience. Still, PAL needs a more consistent product. The current A330 fleet has three different cabin configurations. The A330s for Australia and Hawaii, which use a tri-class layout, have seat-back screens, Wi-Fi, premium economy, and lie-flat business class seats.
However, other A330s still use what I call the “SMC configuration,” a bi-class layout from when San Miguel Corporation ran PAL. These have no in-flight entertainment, odd-looking business class seats, and tight economy seats just 16.2 inches wide. These aircraft serve Middle East routes, but their product falls below what many expect from a full-service airline. I have read many complaints about these planes. I hope PAL upgrades these aircraft to match the tri-class A330s. A consistent product will improve the experience and make travelers look forward to flying with PAL again.
More international routes from Cebu and Clark
New aircraft would support route expansion. I hope PAL increases its international flights from Cebu and eventually from Clark. This would help reduce traffic at NAIA and improve access for passengers in other regions. Cebu and Clark both have the potential to handle more long-haul flights.
These hubs could become transit points for travelers between Asia and the US or Australia and Europe. This would allow PAL to serve not just Filipinos but also international travelers passing through the Philippines.
To do this, PAL would need the right aircraft. For example, Cebu to the US mainland could work with the A350-900. With a smaller capacity than the A350-1000 and a long range, it would suit thinner markets. The Boeing 787-9 is another option for routes with moderate demand from Manila or Cebu to Europe.
Digitalized passenger experience
Digital tools help make airline operations more efficient and improve the passenger experience. One example is meal ordering. Business class passengers should be able to select their meals ahead of time through a working platform. PAL has offered this feature in its app, but when I tried it, no meal options were shown. In contrast, Cebu Pacific has long allowed passengers to pre-order meals online.
For PAL, digital upgrades like this would improve service. These changes are not just helpful for passengers but also support smoother operations and better planning.
These are my four greatest wishes for PAL under its new leadership. These all come from my personal observations, assessments, and analysis. I truly care about PAL, and I want to see them reach greater heights soon, especially as the national flag carrier of the Philippines.
So what are your wishes for PAL under its new leadership?
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
