Richard Nuttall Appointed Philippine Airlines President

Philippine Airlines has named British aviation executive Richard Nuttall as its new president, effective May 29, 2025, as the flag carrier looks to bolster international expansion and long-term growth.

Nuttall brings decades of global airline leadership, most recently as chief executive officer of SriLankan Airlines, where he led a return to profitability and helped revitalize the country’s tourism sector.

He will report directly to PAL Chairman and CEO Dr. Lucio C. Tan and Lucio C. Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings Inc., the airline’s parent firm.

“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,” said Dr. Lucio C. Tan.

“I am confident that he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL,” he added.

Lucio Tan III said Nuttall’s appointment fits into PAL’s broader strategy to build a strong management team and elevate the carrier’s global profile.

“As President, he will play an active role in bringing a global dimension to the Heart of the Filipino,” said Tan III, referencing PAL’s longstanding service brand.

Nuttall replaces Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as president and COO since January 2022 and led PAL through a post-pandemic recovery and consecutive years of profitability.

Ng will transition into a new leadership role as vice president of PAL Holdings Inc. and a member of the PAL Board of Directors, where he will oversee strategic planning for the group.

“I warmly welcome Mr. Nuttall to the PAL Group,” said Ng. “I believe that under his leadership, we will sustain the momentum we’ve built over the past years.”

Also effective May 29, Carlos Luis Fernandez will step into the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, supporting Nuttall in day-to-day operations.

“I am honored to join Philippine Airlines at such a pivotal time,” Nuttall said. “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’s appointment comes as PAL continues its fleet modernization, with the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s set to arrive this year to serve long-haul international routes.

The airline will also upgrade its A321ceo aircraft and expects delivery of 13 new A321neos beginning in 2026, part of a strategy to increase capacity and efficiency.

PAL reported a net income of PHP10.01 billion in 2024, following a record PHP21 billion profit in 2023, reflecting the airline’s recovery and stability despite industry headwinds.

A former executive board member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Nuttall is credited with advancing reforms to accelerate collaboration among member airlines.

His leadership is expected to inject fresh international insight as PAL positions itself for further expansion in competitive global markets.