PHOTO [L-R]: Mark Anthony Munsayac, PAL Vice President – Customer Experience; Dr. Joe Leader, APEX Chief Executive Officer; Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, PAL Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer; and Yosh Yoshida, PAL Assistant Vice President – Product & Service Management.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has earned a new milestone in its journey toward global recognition, securing the coveted Four Star Major Airline rating for 2026 from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The announcement was made during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony held in September 2025 at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.
The APEX Awards are widely regarded as among the most respected honors in the global aviation industry, celebrating airlines that excel in passenger experience, safety, and service standards. Unlike other industry recognitions, the APEX ratings are based on verified passenger feedback collected through a partnership with TripIt® from Concur. More than one million flights across over 600 airlines are rated annually, making this award a true reflection of customer trust and satisfaction.
Earning the Four Star Major Airline designation places PAL alongside some of the world’s most reputable carriers that consistently deliver excellence in several key areas: cabin comfort, cleanliness, food and beverage offerings, in-flight entertainment, connectivity, and overall customer service. This honor reinforces PAL’s standing as the Philippines’ sole full-service legacy airline and highlights its competitive role in the international aviation market.
PAL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, emphasized the importance of this recognition for the airline and its passengers. He noted that the honor reflects PAL’s commitment to providing the highest level of service across its global network.
“Being recognized by APEX, the world’s leading airline industry association, is a significant milestone for Philippine Airlines. We remain steadfast in sustaining the highest standards of service for the welfare of the passengers we serve across our global network. The trust and confidence of our travelers inspire us to further elevate our service standards,” Atty. Fernandez said.
The new APEX recognition builds on a strong track record of industry achievements for PAL in recent years. In 2025, the airline received the Flyers’ Choice Award as the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia, underscoring its popularity among regional travelers. Earlier, it was honored with the 2024 LinkedIn Talent Award for Best Employer Brand, reflecting its commitment to workplace excellence.
Adding to its operational reputation, PAL was also ranked as the number one On-Time Airline in the Asia-Pacific region by aviation analytics firm Cirium in August 2025. This distinction highlights the airline’s dedication not only to customer comfort but also to operational reliability.
With its APEX Four Star Major Airline rating, Philippine Airlines is poised to continue its transformation as a world-class airline. The recognition not only celebrates its achievements but also sets the stage for future enhancements in service and passenger experience.