PAL celebrates US-based million milers
Against the backdrop of its strong financial performance in years, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) celebrated the loyalty of its US-based million milers during a special “Million Milers Night” at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
“A million miles flown with PAL is more than a personal milestone, it is a testament to the deep connection we have built with you. It is your steadfast support, your choice to fly with us again and again, that strengthens our purpose and drives us to serve better,” PAL Holdings, Inc. president and Chief Operating Officer Lucio Tan III said in his welcome address.
The Million Milers are PAL’s top patrons who have accumulated one million or more flight miles on PAL flights.
To date, it has a total of 537 Million Milers, 154 of whom come from PAL North America.
As he thanked them for their support, Tan reflected on the guiding vision of Chair Lucio C. Tan.
“‘Everywhere we go, we make sure that PAL displays the warmth, smile, and everything good about the Philippines and our people,’ Dr. Tan has often said—a sentiment that remains at the heart of PAL’s mission. This spirit of service defines Philippine Airlines. From the first greeting at the airport to the final farewell on board, PAL carries more than passengers—it carries the warmth, hospitality, and pride of the Filipino people to the world,” Tan said.
New achievements
During the event, Tan also shared PAL’s recent honors, including its recognition by aviation analytics firm Cirium as the most punctual airline in the Asia-Pacific region for April 2025, with an 86.07 percent on-time performance rate.
These metrics build on the airline’s global Top 7 ranking for punctuality in 2024, when PAL posted a net income of $151.1 million and an operating income of $314.4 million, the highest earnings among locally operated aviation companies in the Philippines.
“Behind these achievements are the thousands of PAL professionals who work tirelessly to deliver safe, comfortable and on-time journeys, many of whom have served you directly throughout your travels,” he said.
PAL recently welcomed Richard Nuttall as president and promoted Carlos Luis Fernandez to executive vice president/Chief Operating Officer to reinforce its leadership team.
“Under their stewardship, PAL is off to a steadier path of growth,” Tan said.
Enhancing service, connectivity
In his keynote message, Fernandez also lauded the flag carrier’s US-based Million Milers for their unwavering loyalty as he shared key developments in PAL.
“Your loyalty has carried us through challenges, inspired our progress, and propelled us toward new horizons. On behalf of the entire PAL team, thank you—for your trust, your patronage and your belief in the flag carrier and the Heart of the Filipino,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez disclosed key developments at PAL such as the enhancements to its Upgrade Travel Certificate program for easier cabin upgrades for members and companions and a new mileage-earning partnership with Alaska Airlines. PAL is also expanding its digital infrastructure, launching a redesigned website and app, adding multicurrency pricing, and improving accessibility with support for eight languages.
Fernandez also confirmed the arrival of the first of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft starting in 2025 and the refurbishment of 18 A321ceo aircraft, signaling PAL’s long-term commitment to sustainability, comfort and global competitiveness.
