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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider PAL names Richard Nuttall president, Carlos Luis Fernandez COO to drive international growth

PAL names Richard Nuttall president, Carlos Luis Fernandez COO to drive international growth

Published Apr 23, 2025 04:40 am
PAL
Incoming Philippine Airlines (PAL) President Richard Nutall (left) and incoming Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Carlos Luis Fernandez (right)

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed British national and veteran airline industry executive Richard Nuttall as its new president effective May 29, 2025, in line with the airline’s commitment for a bolder push in the international market.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), PAL Holdings Inc. said Nuttall will be supported by Carlos Luis Fernandez, who assumes the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO), also effective May 29.

It added that Nuttall will report directly to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, PAL chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), and Lucio C. Tan III, president and CEO of PAL Holdings, the airline’s parent company.

Nuttall will succeed Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL president and COO since January 2022. Ng will take on new responsibilities within the PAL Group as vice president of PAL Holdings and as a member of the airline’s board of directors.

In these roles, Ng 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 said, “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.”

Nuttall joins PAL after leadership stints in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as CEO 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 SkyTeam Alliance, where he helped reform the alliance’s governance structure to accelerate decision-making and deepen airline collaboration.

Lucio Tan LT3.webp
Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of PAL Holdings Inc., the parent company of Philippine Airlines, and PAL Chairman and CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan

“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.

For his part, Lucio Tan III noted that, “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.”

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 ₱10.01 billion in 2024, following record earnings of ₱21 billion in 2023.

Related Tags

Stanley K. Ng Lucio Tan III Richard Nuttall PAL HOLDINGS INC Carlos Luis Fernandez Philippine Airlines Lucio Tan
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