PAL Ranked 2nd Best Airline in Southeast Asia, Plans $315M Aircraft Upgrade

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is flying high again! The flag carrier was voted the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia at the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Awards by AirlineRatings.com, just behind Singapore Airlines.

The award is based on votes from real passengers, not airline experts. Travellers voted starting April 3, 2025, making this win a direct reflection of passenger experience.

“We thank the voting travelers for this special honor, reflecting the trust and satisfaction that all of us in Philippine Airlines strive to earn from our passengers by delivering friendly service, an unwavering focus on safety and reliability, and the genuine care that comes from the heart,” said PAL president Richard Nuttall.

Earlier this year, Campaign Asia-Pacific named PAL the Best Travel Brand in the Philippines and second in Southeast Asia. PAL also scored high in punctuality. Based on Cirium reports, it recorded an 86.07% on-time rate in April and later 90.47% in September 2025, making it one of the most punctual airlines in Asia-Pacific.

Image credit: Philippine Airlines Website

PAL is planning a major fleet upgrade worth about $315 million. This project covers the airline’s A330-300s and Boeing 777-300ERs, which are used for long flights.

Each aircraft could cost around $14 to $15 million to refurbish, according to Nuttall. He said this is still an early estimate, and it might take around three years before the project starts.

Nuttall added that refurbishing old planes is more practical than buying new ones right now because aircraft parts are harder to find and new jets are more expensive.

Also read: Philippine Airlines Wants To Make Your Travel Experience Smoother Than Ever

Image credit: Philippine Airlines Website

PAL also plans to grow its fleet. It expects to receive its first Airbus A350-1000 around December or January, depending on Airbus’ final schedule. This aircraft will fly the Manila–New York route, PAL’s longest flight.

By the end of 2025, PAL’s total fleet will reach 83 aircraft, up from 79 last year.

As for Europe, Nuttall said PAL has no plans yet to fly there directly, explaining that most Filipinos in Europe choose one-stop flights because they are cheaper.

Image credit: Canva Pro

This is truly a good news for Filipino flyers! PAL’s awards and upcoming upgrades show it is improving both service and comfort. Travellers can expect better cabins and more reliable flights over time, especially on long-haul routes.

The $315 million plan is still in early stages, but if it pushes through, passengers will soon see a refreshed and more comfortable experience on board.

Featured Image credit: Philippine Airlines Website