Quick summary: Philippine Airlines has been invited to join the oneworld Alliance, becoming its 16th member and only the second full member airline from Southeast Asia, following an announcement at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro on 6 June 2026. The move will add 31 new destinations to the oneworld network and allow Mabuhay Miles members to earn and redeem points across all alliance carriers, with top-tier passengers gaining access to more than 700 premium lounges worldwide. Full membership is expected around 2027, following a 12 to 18 month integration period.
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, has received an invitation to join the oneworld Alliance, becoming its 16th member and only the second full member airline based in Southeast Asia. The announcement was made on 6th June 2026 at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as PAL marks 85 years of service.
PAL’s entry will add 31 new destinations to the oneworld network, primarily domestic routes within the Philippines, expanding access to nearly 1,000 destinations across more than 170 countries and territories.
“This is a defining and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines,” said PAL Holdings. President Lucio C. Tan III. “Becoming a member of the oneworld Alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia’s representation within the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before. Together with our partners, we will deliver greater choice, consistent journeys, and a world-class travel experience that reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality.”
Robert Isom, American Airlines chief executive officer and chairman of the oneworld Governing Board, welcomed the addition. “PAL’s entry into oneworld supports our long-term strategic growth and strengthens our connectivity across key markets in the Asia Pacific region. The airline has a proud heritage and will serve a critical role in our Southeast Asia network.”
Oneworld chief executive officer Ole Orvér said: “Philippine Airlines is a globally respected carrier with a strong commitment to innovation and customer service that aligns with oneworld’s reputation for delivering a premium experience across the travel journey. This decision is an endorsement of oneworld, and its global customer offering. We look forward to welcoming Philippine Airlines into the alliance.”
The airline operates scheduled nonstop flights from its hubs in Manila and Cebu to 29 destinations across the Philippines and 40 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East, including key Gulf cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. Full integration is expected to take 12 to 18 months, with formal membership anticipated around 2027.
Members of PAL’s Mabuhay Miles loyalty programme will be able to earn and redeem miles across all oneworld member airlines. Top-tier customers will receive oneworld Priority privileges, including access to more than 700 premium airport lounges, First Class lounge entry, and dedicated check-in areas.
PAL was founded in 1941 and is Asia’s first commercial airline. It holds APEX Four Star airline status and recorded the highest on-time performance among Asia-Pacific carriers in 2025 according to Cirium.
The current oneworld members are Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines.
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