On the occasion of the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Annual General Meeting, held in Rio de Janeiro, Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced its upcoming entry into the global airline alliance. oneworld.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding marks a major step for the Philippine national airline, which will become the 16th member of the alliance. Philippine Airlines will be the second South East Asian carrier after Malaysia Airlines to join oneworld. The alliance already has four Asian carriers: Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and SriLankan.
Philippine Airlines is in fact the only full-service airline in the Philippines with a premium offering. For over 85 years, it has connected the archipelago to the rest of the world through its hubs in Manila and Cebu. The airline currently serves 29 domestic and 40 international destinations in Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.
" This is a decisive and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines. », stated Lucio C. Tan III, President of PAL Holdings. « Joining the oneworld alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia's representation within the group brings the Philippines and the region closer to the rest of the world than ever before. With our partners, we will offer more choice, simplified journeys, and a world-class travel experience, reflecting Philippine hospitality..
The invitation to join oneworld has been approved by the alliance's governing board, which is comprised of the chief executives of the member airlines.
For Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines and Chair of the oneworld Governing Board, this integration is part of the network development strategy: "LThe arrival of Philippine Airlines into oneworld supports our long-term growth and strengthens our connectivity in key Asia-Pacific markets. The airline has a rich tradition and will play an essential role in our Southeast Asia network. ".
The integration of PAL will add 31 unique destinations to the oneworld global network, primarily in the Philippines. Its international expansion will also help strengthen the alliance's offering to Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia.
" Philippine Airlines is a globally respected airline with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service, perfectly aligning with oneworld's reputation for delivering a premium travel experience. ", highlighted Ole Orvér, CEO of oneworld. " This decision is a recognition of the strength of our alliance and our global value proposition. ".
With a six to twelve-month period generally required to harmonise all elements of a new member with the alliance, Philippine Airlines is expected to officially join the alliance in the course of 2027.
Once its integration is finalised, members of the Mabuhay Miles loyalty programme will be able to earn and redeem their miles with all oneworld member airlines. Travellers with the highest statuses will also gain access to oneworld Priority benefits, as well as over 700 premium lounges at airports worldwide, including the oneworld branded lounges at Amsterdam-Schiphol and Seoul-Incheon. They will also receive access to First Class lounges and dedicated check-in areas, a distinctive advantage of the alliance.
