Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed British aviation veteran Richard Nuttall as its new President, effective 29 May 2025, marking a strategic leadership shift aimed at bolstering the flag carrier’s international presence and long-term growth. Nuttall will report directly to PAL Holdings Inc. Chairman and CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan and President and COO Lucio C. Tan III.
Nuttall brings more than 30 years of global airline industry experience, having served in senior executive roles across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, he was Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, where he oversaw a successful turnaround that returned the airline to operational profitability and played a significant role in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
Adding to his credentials, Nuttall’s LinkedIn profile reveals a prior connection to PAL — he served as Senior Commercial Advisor to the airline from January 1999 until August 1999. His return to the company after more than two decades marks a full-circle moment in his career and reinforces PAL’s intent to leverage seasoned leadership with a deep understanding of the organization’s history and ambitions.
Nuttall also served as an Executive Board Member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he contributed to reforms in governance that streamlined decision-making and improved airline collaboration within the alliance. He will succeed Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL President and COO since January 2022. Ng will assume new responsibilities as Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc. and as a member of PAL’s Board of Directors, where he will help shape the airline’s strategic direction moving forward.
Joining Nuttall in PAL’s executive team is Carlos Luis Fernandez, who has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, also effective 29 May 2025.
Even as global aviation faces uncertainty, PAL is pushing forward with aggressive fleet modernization. The airline is set to receive its first Airbus A350-1000 this year — part of a nine-aircraft order to boost its long-haul capabilities. PAL is also refurbishing its A321ceo fleet and will begin receiving 13 brand-new A321neos starting in 2026.
PAL’s continued profitability further supports this strategic momentum, posting a net income of PHP10.01 billion in 2024, following a record PHP21 billion in 2023. With Nuttall at the helm, the airline is poised to capitalize on its momentum and reinforce its standing as a premier global carrier.