oneworld Chief Executive Officer Ole Orvér (2nd from left), Philippine Airlines Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez (3rd from left), PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III (4th from left), Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall (4th from right), Philippine Airlines Vice President – Revenue Management, Commercial Planning & Alliances Christoph Gaertner (3rd from right) and American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board Robert Isom (2nd from right). (Photo courtesy of oneworld Alliance).
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the Philippines’ flag carrier, is set to soar to new heights after receiving a prestigious invitation to join the oneworld® Alliance, officially announced today at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
PAL’s entry will make it the 16th member of the oneworld Alliance and only the second full member airline based in Southeast Asia – enabling access to a truly global network of nearly 1,000 destinations across over 170 countries and territories. This landmark achievement signals a powerful new chapter for both the airline and the region, highlighting the Philippines’ rising prominence as a dynamic global aviation gateway.
PAL’s extensive domestic and regional network strengthens oneworld’s footprint in Southeast Asia, opening new vital links to key Philippine destinations.
Beyond expanded access, the partnership will bring transformative benefits for the airline – fueling a stronger presence on the world stage, increasing passenger flows, enhancing loyalty offerings, and delivering greater efficiencies, all while elevating PAL’s brand alongside some of the world’s most renowned airlines.
“This is a defining and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines,” said PAL Holdings, Inc.
President Lucio C. Tan III. “Becoming a member of the oneworld Alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia’s representation within the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before. Together with our partners, we will deliver greater choice, consistent journeys, and a world-class travel experience that reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”
President Lucio C. Tan III. “Becoming a member of the oneworld Alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia’s representation within the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before. Together with our partners, we will deliver greater choice, consistent journeys, and a world-class travel experience that reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”
Philippine Airlines and oneworld officials during the signing ceremony announcing the airline’s entry into the alliance in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 6, 2026. From left: oneworld Chief Executive Officer Ole Orvér, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board Robert Isom, PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III, and Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall.
“Philippine Airlines’ entry into oneworld supports our long‑term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region,” said Robert Isom, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the oneworld Governing Board. “The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network.”
“Philippine Airlines is a globally respected carrier with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service that aligns with oneworld’s reputation for delivering a premium experience across the travel journey,” said Ole Orvér, oneworld chief executive officer. “This decision is an endorsement of oneworld, and its global customer offering. We look forward to welcoming Philippine Airlines into the alliance.”
For passengers, this unlocks a smoother, more connected travel experience where every journey is enhanced by efficient transfers, ideal schedules, and privileged access to premium lounges and world-class service across the globe.
The alliance currently includes the following member airlines: Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines.
PAL’s entry into oneworld Alliance unlocks expanded global benefits for its Mabuhay Miles members, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all oneworld member airlines. As part of the oneworld network, PAL’s top-tier customers will enjoy oneworld Priority privileges, along with access to more than 700 premium airport lounges worldwide. Eligible passengers will also benefit from exclusive oneworld advantages such as access to First Class lounges and dedicated First Class check-in areas – further enhancing the seamless, elevated oneworld travel experience.
With its future in oneworld, PAL is poised not only to expand its horizons, but to redefine its role as a global bridge between the Philippines and the world.
