Philippine Airlines is now ranked No. 49 in world airline standings and second most improved airline in the world for 2018, according to the largest airline passenger survey conducted by Skytrax, a leap of 34 notches from a rank of No. 83 just two years ago, and 18 notches from its 2017 ranking at No. 67.
Newly certified as a full-fledged 4-Star Global Airline just five months ago, the flag carrier was voted into the Top 50 in the recent survey involving 20 million passengers, 100 nationalities, and 335 airlines carried out by the independent rating and audit firm.
PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime J. Bautista said, “I am overwhelmed with pride and joy. This latest win shows how far we have come in working to transform our airline, and this victory is especially sweet because it reflects the votes of our beloved customers. We are honored to be recognized by millions of passengers, and we renew our commitment to keep on serving them better from the caring Heart of the Filipino.”
The latest international accolade was announced just days after PAL accepted delivery of its first ultra-modern Airbus A350-900, the “world’s most advanced commercial aircraft,” according to Bautista.
The A350-900 arrived in Manila after a celebratory ferry flight from Toulouse, France last July 15, and now joins another brand new aircraft, the Airbus A321 neo, in the flag carrier’s fleet.
President Duterte braved a rainstorm to lead the ceremonial blessing of the new fleet last July 17, marking a historic milestone in Philippine aviation.
