Philippine Airlines Appoints Richard Nuttall as President

‍DALLAS — Philippine Airlines (PR) has appointed veteran airline executive Richard Nuttall as its new President, effective May 29, 2025. 

Nuttall, the first foreigner in this post, will report to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and CEO, and Lucio Tan III, President and COO of PAL Holdings, the parent company of the airline.

Leadership Transition for Strategic Growth

Nuttall replaces Captain Stanley Ng, who has been President and COO since 2022 and is now moving on to a fresh leadership position at PAL Holdings as Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. 

The move is part of a broader restructuring effort to match PR's executive team with its long-term growth vision for sustainable growth and higher profitability. Carlos Luis Fernandez will join Nuttall as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, starting May 29.

A Global Profile with Regional Impact

Nuttall comes with decades of experience in numerous regions, with senior positions held in airlines from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Before this appointment, he was the CEO at SriLankan Airlines (UL), where he was instrumental in guiding the carrier back into operational profitability while driving the nation's crucial tourism industry through adverse market conditions.

As a past Executive Board Member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Nuttall also played a pivotal role in streamlining the group's governance structure and enhancing cooperation among its member airlines. His joining is viewed as crucial in positioning PR for greater global competitiveness and strategic partnerships.

Fleet Renewal, International Focus

Nuttall joins the team at a critical juncture as PR continues with its ambitious fleet modernization strategy. The carrier will take delivery of the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s later this year, which will serve as its flagship for long-haul flying. 

Renovated A321ceo aircraft with upgraded cabins are also coming into service in 2025. Thirteen brand-new A321neo aircraft are scheduled for delivery starting in 2026.

Financial Performance, Outlook

PR registered a net income of PHP10.01 billion (approximately US$176 million) in 2024, after recording record earnings of PHP21 billion (approximately US$369 million) in 2023. Having resumed profitability and with new leadership, PR is well-positioned to reinforce its market position in the Asia-Pacific and elsewhere.

Nuttall's appointment signals a new chapter in PR, focused on international expansion, operational excellence, and a greater global focus, while capitalizing on the solid foundation built during Ng's tenure.

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