Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Legacy in Flight: Celebrating 85 Years of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Unveiling of the A350-1000

Esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps; Cabinet officials present here with us; the members of Senate and the House of Representatives; Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; PAL Holdings Inc. President and COO Mr. Lucio Tan III; Philippine Airlines Board Adviser Mr. Kyle Tan; Philippine Airlines President Mr. Richard Nuttall; Philippine Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez; and to be perfectly complete, of course, the First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; [applause] my fellow workers in government; our friends from the private sector; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Good evening.

Today, we mark 85 years of Philippine Airlines—a legacy built on resilience, service, and dedication to connecting Filipinos with the world. Through changing times and growing challenges, PAL has remained a steady presence in our national story.

And as we honor this legacy, we are also reminded that progress demands adaptation. The unveiling of the Airbus A350-1000 underscores the importance of keeping pace with a rapidly evolving aviation industry.

Taken together, these milestones point us firmly towards the future. They strengthen our aviation sector, expand connectivity, and open doors to trade, tourism, and investment. In doing so, we reaffirm aviation’s role as a powerful engine of economic growth and of national development.

Since its founding in 1941, PAL has helped connect our people to the world. As the country’s only full-service
four-star airline, PAL has consistently provided dependable and quality service for both Filipino and international travelers.

Through decades, the airline has helped showcase the Philippines’ natural beauty and cultural richness. And more importantly, it has carried with it the warmth and hospitality that define us as a people by connecting our nation to global destinations and opportunities.

In fact, the safety video that you released two weeks ago thoughtfully showcased the beauty of our landscapes, [applause and cheers]. And when I first saw it, I was of course very, very much entertained. Well, of course, it’s good to see all the different spots around the Philippines but the whole structure of it is that it is so Filipino. The only danger I think that you might have is that the actual telenovela will be the one that will be watched by people. They will forget all the safety measures that you have put in. [laughter] But it was engaging, it was creative, and it was… I was… It is so Pinoy.

Today, we also launch the Airbus A350-1000, one of the most modern widebody aircraft designed for long-haul travel. It is the first in Southeast Asia, and 10th in the world. [applause]

With its new-generation materials and engineering, this aircraft brings up to 25 percent reduction in fuel burn—lowering operating costs while significantly cutting our carbon emissions.

PAL’s first A350-1000 opens new possibilities for
long-distance travel, including routes to North America.

This step complements our efforts to modernize the aviation sector and embrace more sustainable practices for the future.

While airlines move people, government ensures that those pathways remain strong and clear.

In the Siargao Airport, we are constructing a Modular Passenger Terminal Building (PTB). In Davao, we are building a new International PTB.

Through our partnership with the private sector, we have also started upgrading and expanding the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental and the Bohol-Panglao Airport, and also the Caticlan Airport, and there we have a new terminal that is underway to better serve both local travelers and tourists. These projects will spur regional development and economic growth.

Equally significant is our collaboration under a public-private framework to modernize, operate, and maintain the Manila Airport. As of December 2025, we have launched facilities and immigration eGates, making travel faster, safer, and more efficient.

These are our investments in mobility, in opportunity, and in national progress.

As Philippine Airlines continues its journey, may it remain a steady partner in nation-building by helping carry our people, our products, and our dreams to the world.

This Administration remains committed to upgrading infrastructure, modernizing airports, enhancing connectivity, and boosting the economy.

I also encourage our private partners to continue working with us. Build on aviation-centered initiatives that will sharpen the Philippines’ competitiveness and open more doors for our people.

Together, let us shape a Bagong Pilipinas where our people are free to explore, where our regions are better connected, and where opportunity is within reach.

Let us move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the belief that when we build strong connections, we also build a much stronger nation.

Maraming-maraming salamat po.

Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. [applause]

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