By Benjie de Ubago
On October 6, 1965, the engines of a DC8 plane roared at Manila International Airport, taxied the tarmac, accelerated down the runway and Philippine Airlines (PAL) leaped to the skies making its inaugural flight to Sydney, Australia.
PAL’s owner Benigno Toda Jr was on board the maiden flight to Sydney along with the first lady, Evangeline Macapagal and her daughter, Gloria Macapagal. Passengers on the return trip included Australia’s Minister of Interior, Mr., Anthony and his wife, Mrs. Anthony, along with the wife of NSW Premier, Mrs. Atkins. The flight marked closer ties between Australia and the Philippines forging better bilateral relations between the two countries.
That’s was 60 years ago; 84 years since it was founded in 1941. Proudly, its claim to fame includes being the first and largest airline in the Philippines; the first Asian airlines; the first Southeast Asian airlines to fly to Europe. Moreover, it also boasts of having provided the first in-flight entertainment.
The PAL Building, a familiar landmark in York Street, Sydney.
Through the years, PAL has played an important role in the lives of Filipinos. More than just bringing families and loved ones together, they have provided humanitarian assistance, such as mercy flights for overseas workers stranded in the Middle East to providing relief assistance for typhoon victims.
Despite experiencing a little turbulence some years, Philippine Airlines has bounced back and has proven its staying power by recording the biggest airline turnaround of the year in 2007. PAL’s ownership has passed through the hands of Andres Soriano in 1941 to Benigno Toda Jr. in the 60s, to Lucio Tan, to San Miguel Corporation and back again to Lucio Tan, who continues to remain on the Board. Of equal importance are those who played significant roles in the PAL operations in Sydney like Mr. Mike Garcia, Mr. Arnul Pan, Mr. Ian Robinson and now holding the reins for PAL, Krystle Ramirez-Gastrock.
PAL recently celebrated its 60th Anniversary with glitz and glamour at the CIRQ Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Crown, Sydney. The event was attended by Dignitaries, consular officials, travel agents and special guest was John Pearce of the Wiggles.
PAL now flies to 32 City destinations in the Philippines and to 36 countries. As the nation’s official flag carrier, PAL continues to fly across the skies, soaring towards new horizons and carrying with them the hearts of the Filipino.
So, fasten your seat belts, PAL’s in for the long haul.
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