PAL expands global reach by joining oneworld Alliance

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) has joined the oneworld Alliance, giving the flag carrier access to a wider international network as it seeks to strengthen connectivity between the Philippines and overseas markets.

“This is a defining and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines,” PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III said in a statement on Sunday.

“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,” he added.

The oneworld Alliance is a global airline network whose members coordinate routes, flights, airport lounge access and frequent flyer programs.

PAL’s addition makes it the 16^th member of the alliance and the second Southeast Asian carrier in the group.

The airline said joining the alliance would give passengers access to nearly 1,000 destinations across 170 countries and territories through partner airlines.

“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 said.

The company added that its domestic and international route network would also strengthen the alliance’s presence in Southeast Asia.

“Philippine Airlines’ entry into oneworld supports our long-term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia-Pacific region,” oneworld Governing Board Chairman and American Airlines Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom said in the statement.

Members of the alliance include American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Qantas.

Separately, PAL said on Friday that it would deploy its second Airbus A350-1000 on Manila-Toronto flights beginning June 5.

The airline received its second A350-1000 aircraft in May and expects to take delivery of five units this year.

The A350-1000 is a long-haul widebody aircraft developed by Airbus and is configured with business, premium economy and economy class cabins. — Ashley Erika O. Jose