The silence is over. After shutting its doors four years ago, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Aviation School is taking flight once more. The nation’s flag carrier announced it’s bringing back its pilot training program. This time, it’s teaming up with a world-class partner, Airways Aviation Group.
This relaunch marks a hopeful new chapter. It offers a fresh chance for Filipinos dreaming of a career in the cockpit.
Back from the Brink: A Legacy Reborn
The PAL Aviation School has a long history. For over 60 years, it trained more than 1,200 pilots who went on to fly for the airline. But like many parts of the travel world, it faced tough times. The school had to close in June 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, as travel roars back to life, PAL is looking ahead. Reopening the school is a big step forward for the airline and for Philippine aviation.
Why Now? Meeting Urgent Demand for Pilots
PAL isn’t just reopening the school for old times’ sake. The airline needs more pilots. It’s expanding its routes and growing its fleet. Finding enough skilled pilots is a challenge facing airlines worldwide, especially in Asia. Experts predict the Asia-Pacific region will need hundreds of thousands of new pilots in the coming years.
PAL needs a reliable way to train its future captains. “We want to be assured of a steady pipeline of pilots who will meet our manpower needs,” said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng. This school is key to PAL’s future plans.
A Global Partnership for World-Class Training
To make this happen, PAL searched for the right partner. They chose Airways Aviation Group, a respected international flight school based in Australia. PAL was very careful in its choice.
Capt. Ng explained why Airways Aviation was selected. “Airways Aviation met our stringent requirements and demonstrated their robust emphasis on safety culture and competency-based training methodologies,” he said. This partnership means PAL cadets will get top-quality training that meets global standards.
Your Training Journey: Philippines to Australia
So, how will the training work? It’s a two-step journey designed to build skilled, confident pilots.
First, cadets will start their training right here in the Philippines. They will learn the basics and go through assessments.
Then, the real adventure begins. Successful cadets will travel to Australia. They will join Airways Aviation’s modern training campuses, possibly on the sunny Gold Coast or in Lismore. There, they will dive deep into aviation theory. They will also get hands-on flight training using advanced simulators and aircraft, guided by expert instructors. The whole program takes about 18 months. The first group will have about 20 students.
PAL Pilot Training Pathway
| Phase | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Philippines | Foundation Training, Cadet Assessment & Selection |
| Phase 2 | Australia (Airways Aviation) | Intensive Aviation Theory, Advanced Flight Training (Sims, Aircraft) |
More Than Just Flying: Creating Future Leaders
PAL wants to train pilots who are great at flying, but also more than that. The airline aims to shape professionals ready for the future of aviation.
“Our revitalized Aviation School will help develop this vital workforce,” said PAL OIC Executive Vice President Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez. He added they want pilots who are “not only outstanding in their craft but also globally minded citizens committed to building a sustainable future for aviation”. This means training pilots who understand the bigger picture, including the importance of sustainable practices in the industry.
A Shared Vision, Stronger Ties
Airways Aviation is excited about the partnership too. Romy Hawatt, the company’s Founder and Chairman, called it a “strategic alliance built on trust, ambition and a shared commitment to aviation excellence and sustainability”. He added, “Together, we are investing in the future of aviation”.
This collaboration also strengthens the connection between the Philippines and Australia. It builds bridges in education and training between the two countries. The Australian Ambassador to the Philippines even attended the launch, highlighting the partnership’s importance.
Ready for Takeoff?
The journey is about to begin for the first group of aspiring PAL pilots. With the PAL Aviation School back in action, the dream of flying for the Philippine flag carrier is once again within reach for a new generation.
For those interested in learning more about future opportunities, PAL encourages inquiries via email at [email protected]. The sky is calling.
