PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) has joined the oneworld Alliance, giving the flag carrier access to a wider international network because it seeks to strengthen connectivity between the Philippines and overseas markets.
“This can be a defining and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines,” PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III said in a press release on Sunday.
“Becoming a member of the oneworld Alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia’s representation inside the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before,” he added.
The oneworld Alliance is a world airline network whose members coordinate routes, flights, airport lounge access and frequent flyer programs.
PAL’s addition makes it the 16th member of the alliance and the second Southeast Asian carrier within the group.
The airline said joining the alliance would give passengers access to just about 1,000 destinations across 170 countries and territories through partner airlines.
“This landmark achievement signals a robust recent chapter for each the airline and the region, highlighting the Philippines’ rising prominence as a dynamic global aviation gateway,” PAL said.
The corporate 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 within the Asia-Pacific region,” oneworld Governing Board Chairman and American Airlines Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom said within the statement.
Members of the alliance include American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Qantas.
Individually, PAL said on Friday that it might deploy its second Airbus A350-1000 on Manila-Toronto flights starting June 5.
The airline received its second A350-1000 aircraft in May and expects to take delivery of 5 units this yr.
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