Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed British airline executive Richard Nuttall as its new President, effective May 29, 2025—signaling a renewed focus on international growth and strengthening leadership at the country’s flag carrier.
Nuttall will report directly to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Airlines, and Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings Inc., the airline’s parent company.
Bringing with him a wealth of experience from key leadership roles across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Nuttall most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines. During his tenure, he successfully led the airline’s operational turnaround and played a key role in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. He also served on the Executive Board of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he helped reshape the alliance’s governance to enable faster decision-making and deeper collaboration among member airlines.
“Philippine Airlines has always been committed to working with the best people across all levels,” said Dr. Lucio C. Tan. “I welcome Richard Nuttall as a valuable addition to an already formidable leadership team. I am confident he will drive sustainable growth for PAL.”
Lucio Tan III echoed this sentiment, adding: “Appointing Richard Nuttall is a key part of our medium- and long-term strategy to build a strong management team and expand our international footprint. As President, he will help bring a global perspective to the Heart of the Filipino.”
Nuttall succeeds Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2022. Ng will transition to a new role as Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc. and will join the airline’s Board of Directors, where he will provide strategic oversight and help shape PAL’s future direction.
“I warmly welcome Mr. Nuttall to the PAL Group,” said Ng. “With his leadership, I’m confident we will sustain the momentum we’ve built. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my journey with the PAL Group, with renewed focus and commitment.”
Supporting Nuttall in his new role will be Carlos Luis Fernandez, who has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, also effective May 29, 2025.
“I am honored to join Philippine Airlines at such a pivotal time in its journey,” said Nuttall. “The airline has achieved remarkable milestones in recent years, and I look forward to building on that success as we chart new paths for growth.”
Despite ongoing global uncertainty in the aviation sector, PAL remains committed to long-term development and modernization. In 2025, it will take delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, set to become the flagship of its long-haul fleet. The airline is also rolling out upgraded A321ceos this year, with 13 new A321neos scheduled to join the fleet starting in 2026.
PAL posted a net income of PHP 10.01 billion in 2024, following record earnings of PHP 21 billion in 2023—underscoring its resilience and strong market position. With the combined leadership of Tan and Nuttall, Philippine Airlines is poised to accelerate its global ambitions and continue delivering world-class service to its passengers.
