Richard Nuttall appointed new PAL president effective May 29

British aviation veteran Richard Nuttall has been appointed the new president of Philippine Airlines (PAL), effective May 29, 2025, to bolster the airline's international market presence and drive sustainable growth.

Nuttall, who previously served as CEO of SriLankan Airlines and had an advisory role at PAL in 1999, will report directly to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, chairman and CEO, and Lucio C. Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings Inc.

He succeeds Captain Stanley Ng, who will transition to new responsibilities as Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc. and a member of the airline's Board of Directors.

Carlos Luis Fernandez will become Executive Vice President and COO starting May 29, 2025.

Nuttall is the second foreigner to lead a major Philippine airline, following Mike Szücs of Cebu Pacific.

PAL's net income reached P10.01 billion in 2024, and stabilizing and enhancing the company's financial performance is paramount for the new president.

PAL's profitability is in decline and its stock price is trading at levels not seen since 2006, with charts showing extraordinary volatility over the past six months.