Philippine Airlines has taken one of the biggest global steps in its 85-year history, with the Philippines’ flag carrier invited to join the oneworld Alliance in a move that will lift its international profile and give Southeast Asia stronger representation inside one of aviation’s most powerful networks.
Announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the move will make Philippine Airlines, or PAL, the 16th member of oneworld and only the second full member airline based in Southeast Asia.
Once membership is completed, PAL will sit alongside some of the world’s best-known carriers, including Qantas, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, opening access to a network of nearly 1,000 destinations across more than 170 countries and territories.
For Australians, this is more than another airline joining a global club. PAL already has a growing local relevance after Qantas recently added Philippine Airlines to its Frequent Flyer partner network, giving Qantas Frequent Flyer members access to Classic Reward seats on PAL flights to Manila, across the Philippines and beyond. As Karryon reported, the partnership added 15 island destinations in the Philippines that were previously missing from the Qantas partner network, including one-stop reward options via Manila to Boracay, Cebu, Palawan and other leisure destinations.
PAL currently operates 22 weekly flights between Australia and Manila, including daily Airbus A330 services from Sydney and Airbus A321neoLR services from Brisbane. With Qantas already a oneworld member, PAL’s invitation adds another layer of relevance for Australian travellers and advisors looking at the Philippines, Southeast Asia, North America and beyond-Asia itineraries.
A bigger global stage for PAL
PAL Holdings, Inc. President Lucio C. Tan III called the invitation “a defining and transformative moment” for the airline.
“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,” Tan said.
“Together with our partners, we will deliver greater choice, consistent journeys, and a world-class travel experience that reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”
PAL’s domestic and regional network will strengthen oneworld’s presence in Southeast Asia and add new links to key destinations across the Philippines.
The carrier currently operates nonstop flights from Manila and Cebu to 29 destinations across the Philippines and 40 destinations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.
Why oneworld wanted PAL
American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and oneworld Governing Board Chairman Robert Isom said PAL’s entry would support the alliance’s long-term growth strategy in the region.
“PAL’s entry into oneworld supports our long-term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region,” Isom said.
“The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network.”
oneworld Chief Executive Officer Ole Orvér said PAL’s service focus aligned with the alliance’s premium positioning.
“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,” Orvér said.
“This decision is an endorsement of oneworld, and its global customer offering. We look forward to welcoming Philippine Airlines into the alliance.”
The alliance currently includes 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.
What travellers will gain
For passengers, PAL’s future oneworld membership will unlock broader global access, smoother transfers and stronger frequent flyer benefits across the alliance.
Mabuhay Miles members will be able to earn and redeem miles across oneworld member airlines once PAL joins the alliance.
PAL’s top-tier customers will also gain access to oneworld Priority privileges, along with access to more than 700 premium airport lounges worldwide. Eligible travellers will be able to access First Class lounges and dedicated First Class check-in areas across the alliance network.
For Australian travel advisors, the move adds more weight to PAL’s long-haul and beyond-Asia proposition, particularly for clients travelling between Australia, the Philippines, North America and other oneworld markets.
An 85-year milestone
Founded in 1941, Philippine Airlines is Asia’s first commercial airline and the Philippines’ only full-service network carrier.
The airline is an APEX Four Star airline and was recognised by Cirium for achieving the highest on-time performance among Asia-Pacific carriers in 2025.
The oneworld invitation now gives PAL a new global platform as it marks 85 years in the air, bringing the Philippines into a larger international aviation conversation and giving oneworld deeper reach in Southeast Asia.
