Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed British national and airline industry executive Richard Nuttall as its new President effective 29 May 2025, signaling the Philippine flag carrier’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and a bolder push in the international market.
Nuttall will report directly to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings Inc., the parent company of Philippine Airlines.
Nuttall joins PAL after leadership stints in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently he served as Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, where he led a successful turnaround that saw the carrier return to operational profitability and significantly contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
In addition, Nuttall served as an Executive Board Member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he helped reform the Alliance’s governance structure to accelerate decision- making and deepen airline collaboration.
“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 that he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL,” said Dr. Lucio C. Tan.
“Appointing Richard Nuttall to Philippine Airlines is 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,” said Lucio Tan III.
Nuttall will succeed Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2022. Ng will take on new responsibilities within the Philippine Airlines Group as Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc. and as a member of the airline’s Board of Directors. In these roles, he is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight to bring the flag carrier to a new level of service and profitability.
“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. Now, I’m ready to take on this new role with renewed focus and commitment,” said Ng.
Nuttall will be supported by Carlos Luis Fernandez, who assumes the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, also effective 29 May 2025.
“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,” said Nuttall.
Even as the global aviation industry faces increased volatility and uncertainty, PAL remains focused on long-term growth and fleet modernization. The airline is expected to receive this year the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s, which will serve as PAL’s flagship long-haul aircraft. PAL is also rolling out newly refurbished A321ceos with upgraded cabins this year, and will take delivery of 13 brand-new A321neos starting 2026.
Backed by the leadership of Tan and Nuttall, PAL is optimistic about sustaining its momentum in 2025. The airline posted a net income of PHP10.01 billion in 2024, following record earnings of PHP21 billion in 2023. This consistent performance solidifies PAL’s position as a resilient and competitive force in the airline industry.
