Philippine Airlines’ 84th Anniversary
"Mabuhay! And welcome to Philippine Airlines!"
For any Filipino aviation enthusiast, the sight of our Flag Carrier’s iconic “Sunriser” tail is surely something to behold. Depicting our national flag, it represents the very best of Filipinos of the past, the present, and the future. Philippine Airlines or simply PAL started with humble beginnings. With a single Beechcraft Model 18, its inaugural flight on March 15, 1941, carried passengers and cargo from Nielson Field (Manila) to Baguio City airport. This short, provincial hop would be the catalyst of PAL’s future expansion and success.
After the second world war, the airline restarted its operations by acquiring surplus military planes – intended to be converted to commercial use. Indeed, these were uncertain, challenging times, not only for the airline, but for the whole country as well. With sheer hard work, determination, and that beating Filipino heart, the airline pushed on and managed to come out from the ashes as a stronger and stable airline that every Filipino would be proud of.
With its success, and the arrival of the jet age, PAL invested to modernize its fleet and services. Acquiring the likes of the Airbus A300s, Douglas DC-8’s and DC-10s, and the mighty Boeing 747s enabled the airline to carry more passengers at a longer distance - expanding its route network, substantially. In addition to the new aircrafts, PAL introduced an industry first – a First-Class cabin that features a bed. Dubbed as “Sky Beds”, this is the airline industry’s first iteration of fully flat beds. This cabin feature was so successful that many of the world’s airlines followed the idea years later. This greatly highlighted Filipino ingenuity and know-how.
During the 90’s, PAL continued to expand and modernized its fleet and operations. Although tough times lingered the airline before the end of the decade, and again during the 2008 financial crises, it strived and worked hard to fight off years of unprofitability and even bankruptcy. Today, PAL continues to represent the Philippines globally. With new routes and new aircrafts, the airline not only supports local tourism, but also opens up new international destinations that would enable it to be within reach by every Filipino.
The sky is the limit for Philippine Airlines. Now a year shy away from its grand 85th anniversary, only great things lie ahead for Asia’s First and Oldest airline. Whatever challenges the airline may face in the future, we are certain that just like it did during its infancy, it will continue to move on and prosper – simply put, it will Shine Through.
Happy 84th anniversary to the Heart of Every Filipino, Philippine Airlines.
