Richard Nuttall, an airline industry executive from Britain, is taking over as the new president of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), the company said.
PAL said in a statement on Wednesday, April 23, Nuttall will succeed Captain Stanley Ng and officially assume his new role on May 29, 2025.
Lucio Tan III, president and chief operating officer (COO) of PAL Holdings Inc., said appointing Nuttall is part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen its leadership team and expand its international market operations.
“As President, Nuttal 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,” Tan said. PAL Holdings is PAL’s parent company.
Nuttall joins PAL after leadership stints in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Lucio Tan, PAL Holdings chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), welcomed Nuttal as “a worthy addition to an already formidable team,” expressing confidence that he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL.”
Meanwhile, Captain Ng will take on new responsibilities as vice president of PAL Holdings Inc. and as a member of the airline’s Board of Directors. In these roles, he 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. I’m ready to take on this new role with renewed focus and commitment,” Ng said.
The PAL statement said Nuttall will be supported by Carlos Luis Fernandez, who assumes the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer from May 29, 2025.
The airline is expected to receive the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s this year, 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 in 2026.
With the young Tan and Nuttall at the helm, PAL said it is optimistic about sustaining its momentum in 2025.
The airline posted a net income of P10.01 billion in 2024, following a record net income of P21 billion in 2023. The 51 percent drop was traced to reduced revenue and higher operating costs.
