Philippine Airlines (PAL) Aviation School has reached another milestone in its commitment to shaping the country’s future aviators, as 14 members of its AO Class 2025 Alpha departed for Australia to pursue advanced flight training. The initiative comes under the relaunch of the PAL Aviation School in early 2025, made possible through a strategic partnership with Australia-based Airways Aviation.
The send-off ceremony took place on 28 September 2025 at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. (LKTJ) Center in Pasay City. The event was attended by PAL executives, faculty, and the proud families of the departing trainees. The gathering not only highlighted PAL’s strong commitment to aviation education but also underscored the vital role of pilot training in the airline’s growth and operational expansion.
Under the collaboration with Airways Aviation, the trainees will continue their journey at the world-class Gold Coast campus in Queensland, Australia. Their program involves a comprehensive mix of theoretical instruction and practical flying hours, building on the initial training they received in the Philippines. By immersing in an international training environment, the cadets are expected to gain invaluable experience aligned with global aviation standards.
Capt. Roland Narciso, Senior Vice President of PAL’s Operations Group, emphasized the legacy and vision of the PAL Aviation School: “Through the halls of the PAL Aviation School pass the best and brightest pilots who continue to uphold the principles of discipline, professionalism, and commitment to duty.” He added that the partnership with Airways Aviation enhances the school’s ability to provide modern, innovative training using state-of-the-art facilities.
The PAL Aviation School, established in the early 1960s, has produced more than a thousand pilots who have become leaders in both local and international aviation. Its relaunch earlier this year signifies a renewed focus on elevating training standards to meet the growing demand for skilled aviators in the Philippines and abroad.
This initiative also aligns with Philippine Airlines’ broader expansion plans. The flag carrier is set to receive nine new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled before the end of 2025. The remaining aircraft are expected to arrive between 2026 and 2028. In addition, PAL will bolster its narrow-body fleet with 13 new Airbus A321neo aircraft beginning in 2026.
The integration of these new aircraft into PAL’s fleet underscores the necessity of producing highly trained pilots who can sustain the airline’s operational growth. By investing in world-class pilot education and international training opportunities, PAL not only secures its future workforce but also reinforces its reputation as a pioneer in Philippine aviation.