Philippine Airlines (PAL) said Wednesday it has appointed Richard Nuttall, a British national and seasoned executive in the aviation industry, as its new president effective 29 May, signaling the flag carrier’s intent to strengthen its leadership and sharpen its international growth strategy.
Nuttall has extensive experience across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, the British national served as chief executive officer of Sri Lankan Airlines, where he successfully steered the carrier back to operational profitability. His leadership played a key role in boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector post-pandemic.
He also served as an executive board member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he championed reforms to improve governance and airline collaboration.
Nuttall will report directly to PAL Holdings Inc. chairman and CEO Lucio C. Tan, and Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings, the airline’s parent company.
“Richard’s global experience and leadership will bring new momentum to our long-term vision,” said Tan III. “He will help infuse a global perspective into PAL’s unique brand of service.”
Nuttall succeeds Captain Stanley Ng, who has led the airline since 2022. Ng will transition to a new strategic role as vice president of PAL Holdings Inc. and join PAL’s board of directors, where he will continue shaping the carrier’s future direction.
“I look forward to working with Richard as we build a stronger, more competitive PAL,” Ng said. “I am proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for what lies ahead.”
