Across Continents
and Skies
The discerning traveller has certain expectations before ever setting foot on a plane. They have come to seek only the finest, reflecting what they have built and accomplished; an exceptional flight experience is now the baseline, rather than some faraway aspiration. Indeed, for this kind of traveller, flying is hardly a novelty, but a routine. These passengers are aware of the booking process, the long walks across the terminal and the lounges. Up in the air, they are well-acquainted with the plush seats, the low hum of the turbine and the clouds drifting beneath them. It has become a natural, inseparable part of their rhythm, and they are able to recognise the mundane from the extraordinary.
Whether for leisure or work, journeys are meant to be rewarding, exciting and fulfilling. Throughout its long history, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has shown unparalleled service both on the ground and in the sky, ensuring that each stage of a passenger’s flight is one of comfort and convenience. This calibre of experience is not gained overnight, but steadily practised and repeated until it has become second nature. PAL’s philosophy of exemplary performance is best felt within its Business Class, and all that it encompasses. It turns the routes with which we have grown accustomed into memorable flights worth returning to.
Beyond the Seat
One can recognise a truly exceptional flight long before takeoff. PAL’s Business Class stands ready at every touchpoint to ensure a smooth, seamless transition from the terminal to your seat on the plane.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is one of the world’s busiest airports, which means that time is of the essence. Here in Manila, that means approaching the exclusive, priority check-in counter to avoid any delays. Any concerns are also quickly addressed, thanks to dedicated concierge services, both before and after your flight.
With your baggage tagged and your boarding pass in hand, this extra time offers another advantage besides keeping to a strict schedule or timetable—it means a visit to the Mabuhay Lounge.
Accentuated by modern finishes and curved wooden motifs, the Mabuhay Lounge can be considered your first destination before your eventual departure: an opportunity to rest, recharge and prepare for the journey ahead. Luxurious seating, buffet dining, peaceful corners and a fine selection of wines and spirits make settling in a pleasure.
For frequent visitors and flyers, it also means a reunion with a time-honoured tradition of the Mabuhay Lounge’s arroz caldo—a beloved staple and familiar presence among the one too many selections that await. Chat with your loved ones, handle some last-minute business or simply relax and take in the ambience with a glass of bubbly in hand. As PAL is set to join Oneworld Alliance, access to international Business Class lounges across the world will also be possible.
Boarding, too, becomes a frictionless task. Priority lanes are accessible to Business Class passengers, allowing them to settle into their seats ahead of time—and more importantly, with peace of mind. As the final approach toward the aircraft slowly unfolds, it also steadily reveals another aspect of PAL, and perhaps one of its most important ones: the latest members of its fleet.
40,000 Feet Above the Clouds
An airline is often defined by two things—the impeccable service that it provides, and the modern aircraft within its fleet. PAL notably boasts an abundance of both. Two new members have joined PAL’s fleet: the Airbus A350-1000 and the A321ceo Retrofit, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to continued innovation. Upon boarding, a member of the cabin crew greets with an iconic gesture, recognisable even from a distance: two hands placed over the heart. A warm welcome to Philippine Airlines.
At a glance
Airbus A350-1000 and A321ceo Retrofit
Airbus A350-1000
The first of its kind in Asia, Airbus A350-1000 is the airline’s flagship aircraft, a designation given not without reason. The interiors have been meticulously crafted with utmost comfort and refinement in mind. Spacious legroom and wider seating enhance the overall feeling of relaxation.
With its arrival, PAL Business Class also welcomes the Mabuhay Studio, a personal studio in the sky. This new arrangement boasts dedicated charging ports, customisable ambient lighting, vanity mirrors and lie-flat beds. Each seat offers direct aisle access and its own privacy door, enhancing elements of exclusivity and privacy.
| ENGINE | SPEED | CAPACITY |
|---|---|---|
| Two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 | 513 knots / 590 mph | 382 passengers |
Airbus A321ceo Retrofit
Alongside the Airbus A350-1000 is its sibling, the Airbus A321ceo Retrofit, which PAL has refreshed and refurbished. The airline touts it as one of the most efficient single-aisle jetliners ever conceived, accommodating a generous number of both passengers and cargo. Charging outlets, wider recliner seats and newly-introduced personal IFE screens are available within its Business Class
| ENGINE | SPEED | CAPACITY |
|---|---|---|
| Two IAE 2533-A5 | 461 knots / 530 mph | 194 passengers |
All business
Time to dine.
Space to unwind.
A little world of your own.
In-flight gourmet
Within the first hour of the flight and in a place beyond where clouds can reach, the in-flight gourmet meal arrives. Available under the Mabuhay Selection, PAL’s exclusive pre-order menu for the forward cabin, features favourites such as savoury bistek tagalog, a Filipino breakfast platter and baked tuna belly. The dedicated PAL Business Class flight steward addresses you by name, fully aware of your preferences, diet restrictions and tastes. They carefully pour out your choice of drink, thoughtfully chosen to complement your dish, before making a final inquiry to ensure that you find everything agreeable. A simple gesture, but one that reveals the character of both staff and airline. They are at your beck and call, always present when needed.
A taste of home.
Your own
personal sanctuary.
The luxury of quiet.
The immediate vicinity of the Business Class seat is one of elegance and luxury, set between the attentiveness of the staff and the considered amenities that make the flight as restful as possible: an eye mask for a quick nap, toiletry kits to remain fresh, pillows to remain cosy. But one of the most understated and undernoticed advantages of such a space is privacy. Tens of thousands of feet in the air, your seat is your own personal sanctuary; a place to enjoy the quiet and calm. On all long-haul international flights, the seat can be fully reclined into lie-flat beds for added comfort. Upon request, cabin crew are also happy to offer a turndown service to prepare you for a restful hours of sleep.
Settle into your own rhythm.
In front of you is the in-flight 4K personal entertainment system, kept up-to-date with the latest films, series and music, ensuring that one of your favourites will keep you company through the long hours. Headphones are provided for your convenience, but if one would prefer to use their own familiar pair, the system is Bluetooth-enabled on the A350-1000, allowing you to easily connect the two.
Above it all. Still connected.
The screen system, of course, also serves as your terminal to access flight details and information about your destination. Furthermore, complimentary Wi-Fi means that you remain connected to loved ones and other important dealings you are otherwise detached from.
How you get there
matters just as much.
ArrivalAs the final descent begins, cabin crew begin their final routines. A look back reveals only satisfaction and contentment. There is no single quality that defines the experience. Rather, it is the culmination of every step and touch of care that PAL Business Class has extended. Indeed, this combination of well-thought-out hospitality, in-flight luxuries and all-encompassing convenience is exceedingly rare, and it is precisely the reason why the airline is so celebrated.
This is Philippine hospitality at its most elevated form, anticipating the needs of passengers before they need it. This beckons them to continue the business of living well, whether that means closing a deal in another city, reuniting with family, or discovering somewhere new. For the discerning Business Class traveller, the destination was never the only reward. How you get there matters just as much. While the arrival signals the end of the journey, it is hardly the last with the carrier.
Flying with Philippine Airlines has been your—and their—
immense pleasure.Explore PAL Business Class