Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced it will join oneworld, becoming the airline alliance’s 16th member. The decision was revealed at the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro on June 6, 2026. But why did PAL choose to join oneworld over the other two major airline alliances, Star Alliance and SkyTeam?

Over the past few years, PAL has steadily built a roster of international partners featuring oneworld members, including cooperation with American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways. As such, oneworld was the natural fit for the Philippine carrier, with the formal process of joining expected to be completed next year.

It’s Official: PAL To Join oneworld In 2027

Credit: PAL

PAL’s entry is expected to be finalized sometime in 2027, becoming the alliance’s 16th member and only the second to be based in Southeast Asia, alongside Malaysia Airlines. The carrier was invited by the oneworld Governing Board — which consists of the CEOs of each member airline — following its close cooperation with several oneworld members over the years.

The deepest of those ties was with American Airlines, with the two airlines maintaining an extensive codeshare agreement since December 2023. It also holds a strategic partnership with Qatar Airways, along with a longstanding codeshare with Malaysia Airlines dating back to 2001, and other agreements with Alaska Airlines (plus Hawaiian Airlines) and Qantas to build on.

Consequently, the foundation for its entry into oneworld has been in the making for years, making it the natural choice over Star Alliance and SkyTeam. PAL Holdings President Lucio C. Tan III commented,

“This is a defining and transformative moment for Philippine Airlines. Becoming a member of the oneworld Alliance and strengthening Southeast Asia’s representation within the group significantly brings the Philippines and the region closer to the world like never before.”

Credit: Vincenzo Pace

PAL’s entry into oneworld will bring 31 new destinations to the alliance’s global network, complementing its existing connectivity to almost 1,000 destinations across around 170 countries in Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. American Airlines CEO and Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board, Robert Isom, noted that PAL’s inclusion will help the alliance strengthen connectivity “across key markets in the Asia Pacific region.”

The benefits run the other way too, with PAL now connected to a vast global network, opening up countless connecting possibilities for its customers. Members of the airline’s frequent flyer program, Mabuhay Miles, will soon be able to enjoy reciprocal benefits across all member airlines, including earning and redeeming points.

Additionally, eligible members will have access to a huge network of over 700 airport lounges and other oneworld perks, like priority benefits. PAL passengers won’t see these benefits immediately, as there are still formalities to complete before the airline joins the ranks in 2027.

The Right Fit For PAL

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The oneworld alliance is the third-largest alliance in terms of passengers served behind Star Alliance and SkyTeam, currently consisting of 15 member airlines (excluding PAL). It was established in 1999 by founding members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and now-defunct Canadian Airlines.

The four remaining founding members benefit from veto rights over which carriers are allowed to join. While PAL’s invitation has been relatively straightforward, fellow Asian carrier Starlux Airlines has not had such luck. The Taiwanese airline has repeatedly voiced its ambitions to join oneworld, but opposition from within the alliance — speculated to be Cathay Pacific over competition concerns — has prevented its membership from going through.

Nonetheless, oneworld has now significantly strengthened its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, complementing the influence held by Malaysia Airlines. As for possible future members, there is speculation that Canada’s Porter Airlines could join the alliance, which currently lacks a Canadian member.