PAL will become oneworld’s 16th member airline following the signing of an MOU at the International Air Transport Association’s 82nd annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Photo shows oneworld chief executive officer Ole Orvér (2nd from left), Philippine Airlines executive vice president and chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez (3rd from left), PAL Holdings Inc. president Lucio Tan III (4th from left), PAL president Richard Nuttall (4th from right), PAL vice president for revenue management, commercial planning and alliances Christoph Gaertner (3rd from right) and American Airlines chief executive officer and chairman of the oneworld governing board Robert Isom (2nd from right).

PAL joining oneworld Alliance as 16th member

by · philstar

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is bringing a new experience for its passengers by joining one of the world’s biggest airline alliances, marking a fresh chapter not just for the operator, but for the country as well.

PAL yesterday announced it is joining the oneworld Alliance, accepting the invitation extended by the group at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PAL becomes the 16th member of the oneworld Alliance, and it will be only the second operator based in Southeast Asia after Malaysia Airlines.

With the membership, PAL will provide passengers network access to almost 1,000 destinations across 170 countries and territories. PAL also becomes the only Philippine carrier right now that is a member of a major airline alliance.

On top of international connection, passengers will benefit from the integration of PAL’s frequent flyer program Mabuhay Miles with those of oneworld Alliance members. They can also expect a wider suite of premium lounges that they can access abroad.

Further, the membership raises Philippine presence on a larger scale, and this could boost visitor arrivals in a time when international tourism is struggling from higher fares.

PAL Holdings Inc. president Lucio Tan III said the airline joining the oneworld Alliance is a step forward in linking the Philippines and Southeast Asia to the rest of the world.

“Becoming a member of the oneworld Alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia representation within the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before,” Tan said.

American Airlines CEO and oneworld Alliance chairman Robert Isom said the alliance benefits from PAL’s membership, too. The group is working on expanding its Asia-Pacific presence, and PAL operates in multiple routes in the region.

“PAL’s entry into oneworld supports our long-term strategic growth and strengthens connectivity across key markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The airline has a proud heritage, and it will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network,” Isom said. — Rudy Santos