Lately we’re not seeing a whole lot of action with the “big three” global alliances, when it comes to airlines being added, at least compared to a decade or two ago. So along those lines, there’s a pretty awesome development, as oneworld is getting yet another new member, and this time one based in Asia.
In this post:
Philippine Airlines plans to join the oneworld alliance
Philippine Airlines has just announced that it’s joining the oneworld alliance, and that’s expected to be finalized at some point in 2027 (we don’t have a timeframe beyond that). This will make the national carrier of the Philippines the 16th member of the oneworld alliance, and only the second full member airline based in Southeast Asia, with the other being Malaysia Airlines.
As it’s described, this will give oneworld flyers access to Philippine Airlines’ domestic and Southeast Asia network (and beyond), while it will be transformative for the airline, fueling a stronger presence on the world stage, increasing passenger flows, enhancing loyalty offerings, and delivering greater efficiencies.
With Philippine Airlines joining oneworld, it’ll be possible to earn and redeem miles with all oneworld frequent flyer programs for travel on the airline, and also to take advantage of oneworld elite perks on the carrier, ranging from priority check-in, to lounge access, to preferred seat assignments.
Here’s what PAL Holdings President Lucio C. Tan III had to say:
“This is a defining and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines. 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. Together with our partners, we will deliver greater choice, consistent journeys, and a world-class travel experience that reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”
Meanwhile here’s what American CEO and Chairman of oneworld, Robert Isom, had to ssay:
“PAL’s entry into oneworld supports our long-term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region. The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network.”
My take on Philippine Airlines joining oneworld
Among the major alliances, the oneworld alliance has definitely had the most momentum in recent years. For example, since last year, we’ve seen Fiji Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, and Oman Air, join the alliance, and now we can add yet another airline to the list.
This is a win-win, and fantastic news. Up until now, Philippine Airlines has operated pretty independently — the airline had some random partnerships, but hasn’t really had too much widespread cooperation, or a cohesive global partnership strategy.
We have increasingly seen Philippine Airlines partner with individual oneworld carriers in some form. For example, for the past few years, American has had a partnership with the carrier, including a codeshare agreement (though doesn’t fly to Manila). However, I kind of viewed that as being more motivated by American’s complete lack of an Asia strategy, rather than some desire to cooperate super closely. Meanwhile we also recently saw Philippine Airlines expand its partnership with Qatar Airways, introducing reciprocal award redemptions.
As a oneworld flyer, I’m delighted to have more options for earning and redeeming miles, and taking advantage of elite perks. The more members of an alliance, the merrier, as far as I’m concerned.
It is worth pointing out that we were possibly expecting another oneworld airline, but it wasn’t this one. Specifically, we know that Starlux Airlines has been wanting to join oneworld, with the company’s CEO several times confirming those desires, though nothing was ever shared on oneworld’s end.
It seems that the issue with Starlux may have been how veto rights in the alliance work, or at least used to work — I believe they still apply, but maybe things have changed.
The oneworld alliance has four founding airlines that are still in business, including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. One of the perks of being a founding member of the alliance is that you get veto rights on new members joining.
As you can imagine, this can create a conflict of interest — it could be in the best interest of the alliance at large for a new member to join, while an individual founding member might not view it that way. One would assume Cathay Pacific has the most to say here — was the airline okay with Philippine Airlines, but not with Starlux Airlines? I wouldn’t be surprised, and it does seem that’s what’s going on here.
Bottom line
Philippine Airlines will be joining the oneworld alliance in 2027, an announcement that sort of comes out of left field. It’s great to see another Southeast Asian carrier joining the airline alliance. It really is impressive to see the momentum at oneworld in adding new members, especially among airlines that weren’t previously in alliances (unlike SkyTeam and Star Alliance, where the new members have mostly been alliance swaps).
More options for earning and redeeming miles is always a good thing, so color me excited. Now what about Starlux? 😉
What do you make of Philippine Airlines joining oneworld?
They are improving their product each year. They still have some imperfections but they are working on it.
Terminal - Expected to move to Terminal 3 in 6-12 months inline with the plan for FSC to join as one. T1 LLCs and T2 and the new T5 domestic. T4 is locating in the former international cargo terminal. with CX and SQ being kicked out, I expect them to really invest in a new larger Mabuhay...
They are improving their product each year. They still have some imperfections but they are working on it.
Terminal - Expected to move to Terminal 3 in 6-12 months inline with the plan for FSC to join as one. T1 LLCs and T2 and the new T5 domestic. T4 is locating in the former international cargo terminal. with CX and SQ being kicked out, I expect them to really invest in a new larger Mabuhay Lounge at T3 that can serve QF, JL, CX, MH, QR. This will help since all FSC's at NAIA 3 are being forced to use the First Meridian Lounge operated by the airport operator's subsidiary.
Cabin - A321s currently being refurbished with the project expected to be finished next year. B777s & A330s are next in line but according to the president, supply chain issues are hampering their plan to refurbish now. Expect that project to start in the next 24 months or if they can sort out those issues sooner.
PAL has gone through a big transformation the past few years, often done under the radar. They are currently the most punctual airline in Asia rated by Cirium with their latest published stat at 84.7% on time as of last November.
I think they will be an excellent asset to the alliance, if not now, but strategically when they sort many of their problems that are hampering their reputation (as we can see from some of the comments below)
I'm looking forward to earning and redeeming with PAL soon!
I haven't flown Philippine Airlines business class in four years (Manila-Los Angeles) cause it was bad: outdated cabin in the 777, IFE was inoperative coming back, flight was delayed for unknown reasons, food was mediocre (I roll my eyes at their description of "onion rings", which were not the breaded fried kind, just slices of onion in brown sauce.) Their saving grace was the nice cabin crew. But I am willing to give them another try after they join OneWorld.
I hope Philippine Airlines comes to DFW with their Oneworld membership because there are 90,000 Filipinos here
This is awesome! I know Philippines Airlines has expressed desire to join an alliance. At one point I thought star alliance made the most sense given ANA owns a part of it. I wish them the best. I've flown JFK-MNL and flying in business class wasn't bad at all.
This is awesome! I know Philippines Airlines has expressed desire to join an alliance. At one point I thought star alliance made the most sense given ANA owns a part of it. I wish them the best. I've flown JFK-MNL and flying in business class wasn't bad at all.
Much better than crediting their flights to virtually unusable ANA mileage. Philippine Airlines has gotten better over the years but their planes are still very cramped.
Purely selfish but I'm thrilled for added connectivity to Palau, Guam, etc that isn't United or Star Alliance
ANA has 9.5% share of PAL, so they'll partner with both JAL and ANA?
Interesting how CX was on board with PAL becoming a member because I'd say they're in direct competition with each other; first off, there's so much air traffic between the Philippines and Hong Kong due to the large Filipino community in Hong Kong and also a large number of people still have a negative perception of PAL so they choose to connect via HKG to connect to other destinations in Asia, although with PAL's rapidly improving reputation this could change
wow, this is a game changer. it's wild because oneworld is really stepping up in the way i had hoped skyteam would, but with their mess in Saudi i guess it makes sense that they're getting lapped on building for the future. had just really hoped for better for skyteam but so it goes in this industry
Philippine Airlines already codeshared with Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian and American. Made it an easy decision to join.
Most flying to the Philippines have switched to UAL instead of flying PAL.
not to be strange...
but no... most flying to the Philippines fly PAL over United lol
Even Rebel won't have your back on this one.
Yeah, Max, almost like you can lie on the internet and there are little to no consquences... huh...
I'm guessing you meant out of San Francisco, but was just too careless to include that.
Because otherwise, PAL takes many multiple times the traffic between the USA and Philippines of what United does.
I fly UA from DFW only because of the Buisness class seating on PAL is really bad. Once they upgrade the planes I'll switch to PAL.
I just flew their new business on the A350-1000 and was thoroughly impressed. As they take more deliveries they should be able to capture much higher traffic.
There’s a world beyond the USA. Please provide evidence.
This sounds like a plus for Oneworld. Maybe they can focus on making up for losing Latam in South America next. This was probably the biggest recent blunder in Airline Alliance history.
Maybe if GOL completely integrates Avianca, or forces Aviancas integration into Oneworld they can undo the stupidity of this outcome, but I'm not optimistic.
One World is not missing out on having Avianca as a partner. How Avianca has not been kicked out of Star Alliance ever since they became a trash, low cost airline is beyond me. They flat out refuse to honor star alliance member benefits and will not resolve anything if you have an issue with another airline if you booked through lifemiles. Let Star Alliance keep them, they would only tarnish the One World reputation.
This is a nice surprise indeed! I'll be flying them again somewhere in the next months, so that comes too early to use perks and earn points, but it's definitely something to look forward to.
I wonder if the opening of the new airport in 2028, Bulacan International Airport, and the likely increased capacity to and from Manila, has something to do with it. I guess they're having ambitions to expand their network and...
This is a nice surprise indeed! I'll be flying them again somewhere in the next months, so that comes too early to use perks and earn points, but it's definitely something to look forward to.
I wonder if the opening of the new airport in 2028, Bulacan International Airport, and the likely increased capacity to and from Manila, has something to do with it. I guess they're having ambitions to expand their network and operations, hopefully into Oceania, and I guess that also made it interesting for OneWorld to welcome them.
Disgusting
I won't dignify your comment by providing an analysis or commentary of it at any depth, but elated to share a correction, that YOU are, in fact, the only thing "Disgusting" here. A pathetic little manchild with nothing but a few shriveled up, past-due peas for brains. Meet me for an IQ test anytime, anyplace.
Okay Darryl! Enjoy flying to one of the smelliest countries on the planet!
Ah yes! I trust that would be whatever country that a dreadful, base and cretinous creature such as yourself would originate? Well I can assure you very strongly that I have no such plans to visit! I am doubtless that I would observe the peabrained exercises in futility that you and your people would practice on full display - a display I would very strongly prefer to not bare witness to!
Daryl sounds like either a Filipino or an Indian. Be sure to wear an industrial strength nose plug around him.
moron. Mind you, I guess you mean the USA. There’s a stench from the White House.
Oh No! Tough choice, Qatar Airways or Philippine Airlines? Hmmmmm! I think I will just stick with...............
... The airline owned by a government that's a state sponsor of Islamic terrorism? Great choice.
And a US ally,Just like your Israel?
The only reason the Qataris are tolerated is their gargantuan natural gas reserves and the resulting gargantuan sovereign wealth-fund. Without those they’d be another Yemen, and would probably have been wiped off the map long ago. Having done business with them before, I can confidently say that it would be no great loss to the world if they all disappeared tomorrow.
Surely you are trolling? Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines are playing very different roles, in very different regions, with very different network models.
Your idea that this is some kind of “tough choice” is just a rhetorical jab rather than a real discussion. Nobody is realistically cross-shopping them in the way your comment implies, because they are not substitutes in the same market. This is common sense and something that anyone with a basic grasp...
Surely you are trolling? Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines are playing very different roles, in very different regions, with very different network models.
Your idea that this is some kind of “tough choice” is just a rhetorical jab rather than a real discussion. Nobody is realistically cross-shopping them in the way your comment implies, because they are not substitutes in the same market. This is common sense and something that anyone with a basic grasp on economics and airline commercial development would be aware of.
Qatar is a better airline but the Philippines is a much better destination.
MNL still takes up the space outlined in Dante's first circle of hell.
It'll also be interesting to see if PR still has access to local jet fuel by 2027. The US Gestapo-initiated war in Iran is doing a real number on the Philippines' energy supplies, and if there's no turnaround soon ("turnaround" meaning opening up of the Strait of Hurmuz) it's not out of the question that fuel becomes too expensive or impossible to...
MNL still takes up the space outlined in Dante's first circle of hell.
It'll also be interesting to see if PR still has access to local jet fuel by 2027. The US Gestapo-initiated war in Iran is doing a real number on the Philippines' energy supplies, and if there's no turnaround soon ("turnaround" meaning opening up of the Strait of Hurmuz) it's not out of the question that fuel becomes too expensive or impossible to source.
While I haven't flown them since 1993 when they still offered the first class "skybeds" upstairs in the 747s that plied the LAX-HNL-MNL and v.v. route, they've always been the "little airline that could" and I wish them nothing but the best.
Your comment is trying (and failing) to talk about Philippine Airlines’ position, its commercial and network value, and the realities of operating out of MNL, something I would be all to happy to analyze and refute the great many factual and logic errors in your comment and narrow minded belief, but I guess there’s not much point continuing a well thought-out analysis if the default response to anything you don’t like is just “AI slop”....
Your comment is trying (and failing) to talk about Philippine Airlines’ position, its commercial and network value, and the realities of operating out of MNL, something I would be all to happy to analyze and refute the great many factual and logic errors in your comment and narrow minded belief, but I guess there’s not much point continuing a well thought-out analysis if the default response to anything you don’t like is just “AI slop”. Which is of course an easy throwaway line that avoids engaging with anything being said. It doesn’t address the argument, it doesn’t correct any facts, and again, doesn’t add anything to the discussion.
Honestly, Manila airport has improved greatly in the last two years and is better ever time I visit (I transit there every
Two months or so). San Miguel corporation - the beer company - bought it and are investing a lot of cash in turning it around. I wish San Miguel would run every Govt institution in the Philippines!!
They didn’t buy the airport, they won a 15 year PPP management contract to run the airport.
They paid a very high premium in their bid so that they could level the competition with their real flagship airport Bulacan.
They are doing an ok job, though there are some questionable decisions in terms of excessive road widening, for example.
Fortunately, a replacement for MLN is being constructed! Bulacan Airport should have its first phase completed by 2028. I hope there'll be some solution to get to the city itself in a fast and convenient way, though, as 35km/22miles of Manila traffic to get there probably would take more time than the flight itself, any flight at all.
"Fortunately, a replacement for MLN is being constructed! Bulacan Airport should have its first phase completed by 2028."
Now THAT is good news, ImportViking! Thanks for sharing it - I look forward to traversing it when it opens.
Yeah, this is right at the bottom next to Air India. Would need an industrial strength nose plug to fly on this airline. NO THANKS,
No idea what you are talking about. I flew with them a few times during the last few months, no stink, and the plane are as clean/dirty as your average US mainline carrier.
That certainly explains why Qantas suddenly added PR flights bookable as classic awards in their frequent flyer program.
They showing any J, or just Y?
I just looked, and they're showing Y, PY and J on the day I looked (this September).
Lucky, this hasn’t been reported much in English media, but Starlux CEO was oh the record saying that CX was blocking them from joining OW. You can read the news here (in Chinese): https://tw.stock.yahoo.com/news/%E6%98%9F%E5%AE%87%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E8%82%A1%E6%9D%B1%E6%9C%83-%E5%BC%B5%E5%9C%8B%E7%85%92-%E9%81%AD%E5%9C%8B%E6%B3%B0%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E5%8F%8D%E5%B0%8D%E5%8A%A0%E5%85%A5%E8%81%AF%E7%9B%9F%E6%98%AF%E4%B8%8D%E7%88%AD%E4%BA%8B%E5%AF%A6-%E9%9C%80%E8%A6%81%E6%99%82%E9%96%93%E9%80%B2%E8%A1%8C-030501709.html
Lucky, this hasn’t been reported much in English media, but Starlux CEO was oh the record saying that CX was blocking them from joining OW. You can read the news here (in Chinese): https://tw.stock.yahoo.com/news/%E6%98%9F%E5%AE%87%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E8%82%A1%E6%9D%B1%E6%9C%83-%E5%BC%B5%E5%9C%8B%E7%85%92-%E9%81%AD%E5%9C%8B%E6%B3%B0%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E5%8F%8D%E5%B0%8D%E5%8A%A0%E5%85%A5%E8%81%AF%E7%9B%9F%E6%98%AF%E4%B8%8D%E7%88%AD%E4%BA%8B%E5%AF%A6-%E9%9C%80%E8%A6%81%E6%99%82%E9%96%93%E9%80%B2%E8%A1%8C-030501709.html
American thinks adding oneworld partners will get them out of last place. Southwest and United are dominating AA. Delta is getting worse but still above AA.
"AA goes where I want it" is the selling point, which isn't to say it's great but that is something. Delta's pretty obviously the best if you're willing to pay for it
Great options? Like similar to the way Fiji Airways award options have nose dived since joining oneworld?
It's worth noting that the USA-Philippines bilateral only permits PAL to serve 9 US destinations, and 5 of them must be LAX, SFO, HNL, GUM, and SPN.
The remaining 4 are optional, and currently consist of JFK, SEA, and ORD.
PAL can codeshare to an additional 15 US destinations, which currently consist of ATL, DEN IAH, LAS, MIA, MCO, MSY, IAD, OGG, KOA, LIH, and ITO.
So (unless the bilateral changes), that allows PR to...
It's worth noting that the USA-Philippines bilateral only permits PAL to serve 9 US destinations, and 5 of them must be LAX, SFO, HNL, GUM, and SPN.
The remaining 4 are optional, and currently consist of JFK, SEA, and ORD.
PAL can codeshare to an additional 15 US destinations, which currently consist of ATL, DEN IAH, LAS, MIA, MCO, MSY, IAD, OGG, KOA, LIH, and ITO.
So (unless the bilateral changes), that allows PR to serve 1 more US destination with its own metal, and codeshare to 3 more on AA/AS. Keep that in mind, when considering any OneWorld possibilities.
The most interesting questions to me will be (a) what their oneworld award chart looks like and (b) whether they'll become a transfer partner of any US cards.
Back in 1998 during the Asian Financial crisis, PR almost went belly up (actually shutdown for a couple weeks). CX stepped in to help fly some of the PR routes and at one point negotiated to invest and manage in PR; however, that did not come to fruition. So for CX not objecting PR's entry into oneworld should not be that surprising as they have a long history of partnership.
"One would assume Cathay Pacific has the most to say here"
Cathay's CEO publicly stated that Cathay will not object to a new Asian entrant if the alliance's board decides it's in their best interest to welcome one. I'll see if I can find the link. I understand that that's not definitive, but that's about as direct as executive-speak gets.
The world's worst airline hubbed at the world's worst airport. All so Cathay can stick it to Starlux.
The biggest take-away I got from this article is that Darryl Macklem is the Tim Dunn of Philippines Airlines.
More like the Tim Dunn of AI garbage.
That's coming from you!
but sir you repeat yourself
I find it hilarious when you knowingly write things like: "As a oneworld flyer, I’m delighted to have more options for earning and redeeming miles, and taking advantage of elite perks. "
Great options are they? From what I have read here and on other travel blogs - they are near darn impossible.
@ justindev -- Well, Philippine Airlines actually has great award availability. Whether that continues to be the case after the airline joins the alliance remains to be seen. So yes, lots of reasons to be excited, given lack of other good options nowadays.
This is fantastic news and a major win for Philippine Airlines. For far too long, the airline has been underestimated by some observers (many of which are a part of the Anti-Philippine Airlines bashing crowd here!), despite serving millions of passengers and maintaining an extensive network that connects the Philippines to the world.
For value-conscious Filipino travellers, oneworld membership will bring tangible benefits, more earning and redemption opportunities, better connectivity, reciprocal elite perks, and a...
This is fantastic news and a major win for Philippine Airlines. For far too long, the airline has been underestimated by some observers (many of which are a part of the Anti-Philippine Airlines bashing crowd here!), despite serving millions of passengers and maintaining an extensive network that connects the Philippines to the world.
For value-conscious Filipino travellers, oneworld membership will bring tangible benefits, more earning and redemption opportunities, better connectivity, reciprocal elite perks, and a smoother travel experience overall. These are meaningful improvements that will directly benefit ordinary travellers, not just frequent flyers. Now onto the main topic that seems so prevalant here amongst the anti-Philippine Airlines group, any attempt to portray Philippine Airlines' admission as inconsequential misses the bigger picture. The Philippines is one of the most important aviation markets in Asia, with a massive diaspora and strong demand for international travel. Philippine Airlines plays a central role in connecting families, businesses, and communities across multiple continents.
No airline is perfect, and there is always room for improvement, but this invitation is nevertheless a recognition of the airline's growing stature and its commitment to excellence. It also strengthens oneworld by adding a carrier with a very unique network and a strong presence in a strategically important market.
To suggest that Philippine Airlines does not belong in oneworld is poorly thought-out, moronic, and imbecilic - simply indefensible. This is a positive development for the alliance, for the airline, and most importantly for the travelling public who stand to benefit from greater choice and better connectivity around the world.
The airline is ok, it's their home-base airport that's horrible.
Thanks Pete, you’re right on the money on core point, but the situation at MNL has actually changed in a pretty concrete way.
MNL is no longer run the old way under day-to-day government management. Operations have been taken over by the a new organization under a major Filipino conglomorate, San Miguel Corporation, under a long-term concession. That is a pretty big shift, because it puts one group clearly in charge of running and improving...
Thanks Pete, you’re right on the money on core point, but the situation at MNL has actually changed in a pretty concrete way.
MNL is no longer run the old way under day-to-day government management. Operations have been taken over by the a new organization under a major Filipino conglomorate, San Miguel Corporation, under a long-term concession. That is a pretty big shift, because it puts one group clearly in charge of running and improving the airport instead of multiple agencies overlapping and slowing things down.
Since that change, work is already underway on a number of items relating to most notably improving passenger flow, decongesting choke points, and planning bigger upgrades across the terminals including in terms of concessionaires and amenities. Obviously still very early days, so nothing feels dramatically different yet on the ground, but the intent is clearly to push actual operational fixes rather than just incremental patchwork. Long story short, the airport is still the same physical space for now, but how it is being run and what is being worked on behind the scenes has definitely moved into a different and very exciting phase.
San Miguel Corporation is an awful infrastructure company.
And F their bridge to Boracay !
"...on behind the scenes has definitely moved into a different and very exciting phase."
Whew! That must have been exhausting! You managed to spew out a couple hundred words in six minutes! So thoughtful!
This is what AI slop looks like, everyone.
As I stated to the other moron below - if there’s a problem with my argument, then challenge my argument itself. What this really looks like is an attempt to avoid engaging with the substance by pivoting to tone and authorship instead. That doesn’t add anything meaningful to the discussion. Additionally, proper lexicon and usage of English is not always an indicator of "AI slop", though constant accusations of other distributing "AI slop" is certainly...
As I stated to the other moron below - if there’s a problem with my argument, then challenge my argument itself. What this really looks like is an attempt to avoid engaging with the substance by pivoting to tone and authorship instead. That doesn’t add anything meaningful to the discussion. Additionally, proper lexicon and usage of English is not always an indicator of "AI slop", though constant accusations of other distributing "AI slop" is certainly an indicator of low intelligence and a weak grasp of the English language! Shame!
Holy AI
American has to be pleased that PAL is starting Chicago service.
You're kind of looking at it the wrong way. Philippine Airlines flying to Chicago isn’t really about American Airlines at all. It’s more just Philippine Airlines finally plugging a big gap in its own US network. The Midwest Filipino community is huge, and up until now a lot of that traffic has had to go through West Coast connections or partner flights - a nonstop just simplifies all of that.
From Philippine Airlines’ side, this...
You're kind of looking at it the wrong way. Philippine Airlines flying to Chicago isn’t really about American Airlines at all. It’s more just Philippine Airlines finally plugging a big gap in its own US network. The Midwest Filipino community is huge, and up until now a lot of that traffic has had to go through West Coast connections or partner flights - a nonstop just simplifies all of that.
From Philippine Airlines’ side, this is about taking control of that flow instead of handing it off to connections. It’s cleaner, it’s more direct and it keeps more of that demand on their own flights, so to put it quite simply, is just the commercially sensible choice.
So the idea that American Airlines has to feel anything about it is a bit of a stretch. It’s not like they were running Manila–Chicago nonstop and losing it. This is really just Philippine Airlines expanding its own footprint in the US in a way that makes sense for them.
If anything, the interesting part is just seeing Philippine Airlines slowly show up in more major cities globally and stop relying as heavily on funneling everything through a singular, or a handful of gateways, in foreign countries.
They just slammed the door on Starlux and I’m hoping that’s not existential for the airline as they seem to be serious about competing for the crown. PR is no threat to anyone, meanwhile.
You cannot be serious.... the idea that Philippine Airlines is “no threat to anyone” just doesn’t really survive contact with reality.
It treats airline competition like it only matters if two carriers are fighting head to head on the exact same premium routes. That’s not how this industry works. Influence comes from who feeds what, who controls which gateways, and where the passenger flows actually are.
The Philippines is not some small side market...
You cannot be serious.... the idea that Philippine Airlines is “no threat to anyone” just doesn’t really survive contact with reality.
It treats airline competition like it only matters if two carriers are fighting head to head on the exact same premium routes. That’s not how this industry works. Influence comes from who feeds what, who controls which gateways, and where the passenger flows actually are.
The Philippines is not some small side market you can brush off. It is a huge source of outbound travel, a massive diaspora network, and a constant stream of traffic into North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Any airline with a serious presence in Manila is automatically part of the bigger picture whether people like it or not.
So no, Philippine Airlines is not “no threat” in the sense of being irrelevant. That is just wrong. It may not be trying to go head to head with Cathay or Singapore on pure premium positioning, but it absolutely matters in terms of traffic, connections, and long term network strength.
And the asinine comparison with Starlux actually highlights the confusion here. Starlux is being watched closely because it is clearly trying to build itself into a serious premium challenger. That naturally puts it in direct competition with the established players, which is why it gets treated as sensitive or even risky.
Philippine Airlines is doing something different. It is not trying to be a boutique disruptor or a premium threat. It is a flag carrier sitting on one of the largest travel markets in Asia, quietly feeding passengers into the global system. That does not make it harmless or irrelevant, it just means it plays a different role.
So the claim that PR is “no threat to anyone” is not some deep insight. It is just an oversimplification that ignores how airline networks actually work. If anything, airlines do not get invited into alliances because they are harmless. They get invited because they matter.
"They just slammed the door on Starlux"
No they didn't.
“They” = oneworld
Nobody’s actually so dim as to compare PR with JX. Would not be surprised if this was Cathay’s scheme
Woohoo! Time for some lechon and adobo!
My guess is that CX doesn't see PR as a threat compared to JX; I read that they vetoed JXs entry into oneworld.
CX and PR already codeshare between Hong Kong and Cebu as the former is already the largest foreign carrier in the country. They could expand their relationship outside Cebu such as Clark and Davao while flights between Manila and Hong Kong remain status quo.
Aside from the Philippines, there are very...
My guess is that CX doesn't see PR as a threat compared to JX; I read that they vetoed JXs entry into oneworld.
CX and PR already codeshare between Hong Kong and Cebu as the former is already the largest foreign carrier in the country. They could expand their relationship outside Cebu such as Clark and Davao while flights between Manila and Hong Kong remain status quo.
Aside from the Philippines, there are very few destinations if at all that other members don't already serve. Saipan would be one (currently served by affiliate PAL Express). Macau and Quanzhou would be another.
Your analysis seriously understates both the strategic importance of Philippine Airlines and the value of the Philippine market.
The suggestion that Philippine Airlines was admitted simply because Cathay Pacific does not view it as a threat is speculative, unsupported, and quite frankly, absurd. Oneworld membership is not awarde as a consolation prize, nor is it granted because existing members feel comfortable with a candidate. Philippine Airlines was invited because the alliance determined that its inclusion...
Your analysis seriously understates both the strategic importance of Philippine Airlines and the value of the Philippine market.
The suggestion that Philippine Airlines was admitted simply because Cathay Pacific does not view it as a threat is speculative, unsupported, and quite frankly, absurd. Oneworld membership is not awarde as a consolation prize, nor is it granted because existing members feel comfortable with a candidate. Philippine Airlines was invited because the alliance determined that its inclusion strengthens the network, improves connectivity, and provides meaningful access to one of Asia's most important aviation markets.
The statement that Philippine Airlines offers little beyond the Philippines is equally inappropriate, flatout incorrect and qyite frankly disrespectful to the country. The value of an alliance member is not measured by the number of obscure destinations that no other member serves. Alliances exist to facilitate connectivity, loyalty benefits, traffic flows, commercial partnerships, and network reach, not as a vanity project or platform for enthusiasts to share their opinions. Philippine Airlines delivers all of those things in abundance. What is particularly baffling is the apparent dismissal of the Philippines itself in your comment - this is a country of more than 100 million people with one of the largest diasporas on Earth, generating enormous travel demand across North America, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. To portray that market as somehow secondary or inconsequential demonstrates a remarkable misunderstanding of the realities of global aviation.
Furthermore, reducing Philippine Airlines' contribution to a handful of destinations such as Saipan, Macau, or Quanzhou completely misses the point as the value lies in access to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, and the broader Philippine network, along with the substantial feed traffic that comes with it. That is, of course, precsiely the sort of connectivity alliances seek to capture.
All that aside, I have never understand the tendency among some aviation enthusiasts to evaluate airlines through an excessively narrow lens, focusing on premium cabins, lounge products, or internet popularity while ignoring commercial reality. Philippine Airlines carries millions of passngers every year, maintains a significant international network, and possesses a level of national importance that many airlines would struggle to match.
If Philippine Airlines truly brought so little value to the table, oneworld would not have invited it to join. The executives making these decisions have access to traffic data, revenue forecasts, network analysis, and commerical intelligence that far exceed the assumptions being made here. The far more logical conclusion is that Philippine Airlines was invited because it strengthens the alliance in a meaningful way.
Quite frankly, the claim that Philippine Airlines contributes little beyond a few unique destinations is not just mistaken. It reflects a surprsingly narrow understanding of how global airline alliances actually operate. The invitation itself is powerful evidence that the people who know the industry best reached a very different conclusion.
Can you post a real reply rather than one written by AI?
TProphent, you idiot - your comment is honestly just a distraction from the actual discussion. If there’s a problem with my argument, then challenge my argument itself. What this really looks like is an attempt to avoid engaging with the substance by pivoting to tone and authorship instead. That doesn’t add anything meaningful to the discussion.
If you disagree, then say why on the actual point being made about Philippine Airlines and its network expansion,...
TProphent, you idiot - your comment is honestly just a distraction from the actual discussion. If there’s a problem with my argument, then challenge my argument itself. What this really looks like is an attempt to avoid engaging with the substance by pivoting to tone and authorship instead. That doesn’t add anything meaningful to the discussion.
If you disagree, then say why on the actual point being made about Philippine Airlines and its network expansion, but i'm sure you won't, so essentially it’s just noise from a pathetic, sad little BUFFOON!
he's write though. You didn't write that.
Firstly, please provide a source or any shred evidence for your ham-fisted claim. We're all waiting!
Secondly, "he's write though. You didn't write that". I would suggest that you, as someone with a very poor grasp of the English lexicon, stand down from pathetic and likewise pedantic attempts to correct others, "write"?
I wonder how long until we see an AA Manila route.
I wonder how long til we see a decent airline that files somewhere people actually want to fly join SkyTeam?
@ Pilot93434 -- It could happen, but I wouldn't assume that will happen. AA is focused on its joint venture with JL across the Pacific, and AA's cost structure is massively higher than PR's, so there's not much point in replicating PR's network. Also, what hub would AA even fly it out of? DFW is an 8,320-mile journey, so the economics there aren't easy.
Compared to UA inheriting rights from PA and DL from NW, AA had to grow organically in the Pacific. So it was not really a focus for them compared to Europe or Latin America until much later.
Not to mention that AA doesn't have sufficient widebodies to assign to routes like this. That's also why AA isn't likely to resume PHL-DOH.
They should require Starlux to “forfeit” some level of consistent biz award space to OW partners as an entry fee. Including the front row of biz class, which definitely isn’t first class.
You should cough up and see for yourself. It's great - significantly better than anything shy of La Premier. The ground service at Taipei/LAX. is Private Jet level.