Philippine Airlines (PAL) is ushering in a new phase of international expansion and leadership realignment with the appointment of British airline executive Richard Nuttall as its new president. 

Starting 29 May, Nuttall will report directly to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, chairman and CEO, and Lucio C. Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings Inc., the flag carrier’s parent company.

“I am honored to join Philippine Airlines at such a pivotal time. The airline has accomplished so much in recent years, and I look forward to building on that progress as we explore new avenues for growth,” Nuttall said in a statement on Wednesday. 

He succeeded Captain Stanley Ng, who led PAL as president and COO since January 2022. 

Ng will take on a new role as Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc. and join the airline’s Board of Directors. In these posts, he is expected to help shape PAL’s strategic direction and future initiatives.

Sustaining momentum

“I warmly welcome Mr. Nuttall to the PAL Group. I believe that under his leadership, we will sustain the momentum we’ve built over the past years. I’m ready to take on this new role with renewed focus and commitment,” Ng said.

Nuttall brings over two decades of aviation leadership across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. 

Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of Sri Lankan Airlines, where he led the airline back to operational profitability and helped revitalize Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

He also served as an executive board member of the SkyTeam Alliance.

PAL’s top leadership is confident that Nuttall’s global experience will help accelerate the airline’s international ambitions.

“Philippine Airlines has always been committed to working with the best people across all levels, and I welcome Richard Nuttall as a worthy addition to an already formidable team. 

I am confident he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL,” said Dr. Lucio C. Tan.

Lucio Tan III, on the other hand, described Nuttall’s appointment as “an important part of our medium-term and long-term strategy of building a robust management team and growing our business internationally.”

“As President, he will play an active role in bringing a global dimension to the Heart of the Filipino, and I look forward to working closely with him in the days and months ahead,” he added.

Carlos Luis Fernandez, who will assume the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, will join Nuttall in PAL’s revamped leadership lineup.

Despite continued turbulence in the global aviation industry, PAL remains committed to its long-term growth targets. 

The airline is preparing to receive the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s this year for its flagship long-haul routes. It also aims to roll out newly refurbished A321ceos and expects the arrival of 13 brand-new A321neos starting next year.

PAL reported a net income of P10.01 billion in 2024, following record earnings of P21 billion in 2023.