Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, has been officially recognized during the APEX/IFSA Awards Ceremony held at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California in September 2025 as a 2026 Four Star Major Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), the world’s premier airline industry network dedicated to elevating passenger experience.
The APEX Awards are among the most respected accolades in global aviation. They recognize airlines worldwide for excellence in passenger care, safety, and service standards. What sets APEX apart is its reliance on verified passenger feedback, with ratings compiled in partnership with TripIt® from Concur, covering more than one million flights annually across over 600 airlines.
Global Recognition of Service Excellence
The APEX Four Star Major Airline rating places PAL in the company of the world’s top carriers that consistently deliver excellence across critical touchpoints—cabin comfort, cleanliness, food and beverage, inflight entertainment, connectivity, and customer service. This recognition underscores the airline’s standing as the Philippines’ only full-service legacy carrier and highlights its role as a global competitor in the aviation sector.
“Being recognized by APEX, the world’s leading airline industry association, is a significant milestone for Philippine Airlines,” said Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, PAL Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer. “We remain steadfast in sustaining the highest standards of service for the welfare of the passengers we serve across our global network. The trust and confidence of our travelers inspire us to further elevate our service standards.”
Strong Track Record of Industry Accolades
This latest recognition adds to PAL’s growing list of international accolades. The airline was awarded the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Award as the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia, named a 2024 LinkedIn Talent Awardee for Best Employer Brand, and ranked as number 1 On-time Airline in the Asia Pacific region by Cirium in August 2025.
