PAL Cargo Soars into Digital Age, Empowers Filipino Businesses

From left: PAL Vice President for Cargo Business Jason Siy, PAL President Richard Nuttall, PAL Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, and PAL Vice President for Marketing Alvin Miranda (Image courtesy of PAL)

PAL Cargo Soars into Digital Age, Empowers Filipino Businesses

By TheNationweek.com
June 17, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – As Philippine Airlines (PAL) celebrates its 85th anniversary, its freight and logistics arm, PAL Cargo, is charting a new path to embrace digital innovations, fuel e-commerce growth, and provide dependable cargo solutions for Filipino businesses both domestically and globally.

With PAL’s legacy of “Care that Delivers,” the revitalized unit aims to empower local entrepreneurs and solidify its position as a key player in the evolving logistics landscape.

“In today’s digital-first economy, our revitalized business reflects PAL Cargo’s commitment to digital innovation, broader reach, and tailored logistics solutions that help local entrepreneurs grow and compete in both local and global markets,” said PAL Vice President for Cargo Jason Siy.

Comprehensive Services

PAL Cargo offers a comprehensive suite of freight services to meet the diverse needs of individuals, freight forwarders, and corporations.

From high-value commodities and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce goods and perishables, PAL Cargo handles a wide array of cargo with care.

Prioritizing safety and efficiency, it adheres to stringent handling practices, including IATA standards for pet transport and security escorts for high-value shipments.

These items are prioritized for loading and unloading, and security teams are deployed for charter flights to ensure the utmost protection.

Strategic Partnerships

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, PAL Cargo is forging strategic partnerships with other companies to further enhance its services.

Collaborations with companies like Airspeed and a forthcoming formal partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry will simplify shipping processes for small businesses, both within the Philippines and international markets.

“Through partnerships and our expanding cargo network, we aim to support both domestic entrepreneurs and the Philippine export industry,” Siy explained.

“Even in areas we don’t currently fly to, our global partnerships allow us to extend our services and connect their businesses to the world.”

Seamless Digital Access

PAL Cargo is prioritizing a seamless and customer-friendly experience through digital tools that streamline every stage of the cargo process.

Customers can now conveniently book, pay, and track their domestic shipments online, saving time and effort.

A mobile-friendly platform is being developed, and plans are underway to extend online services to international cargo and make logistics management easier for businesses and individuals.

PAL Cargo is also poised to launch its port-to-door delivery service, expanding beyond its current airport-to-airport offerings.

Further enhancing the customer experience, PAL plans to integrate its Mabuhay Miles program, allowing customers to earn miles for their cargo transactions.

Siy cited the popularity of services like the Block Space Agreement for domestic cargo, which allows clients to reserve space on flights regardless of volume, and Rush Cargo, a premium service guaranteeing cargo loading on a specific flight.

Strategically Positioned Hubs

To ensure nationwide reach and seamless cargo movement, PAL Cargo operates through a network of strategically located hubs.

The primary cargo terminal is based at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, supported by major cargo hubs in Clark, Cebu, and Davao, serving as key gateways for both domestic and international shipments.

“This extensive network allows PAL Cargo to provide efficient, end-to-end logistics solutions for customers across the archipelago and beyond,” Siy pointed out.

Capitalizing on Global Air Cargo Growth

With global air cargo demand on the rise, PAL Cargo is well-positioned to support the Philippine economy.

According to the International Air Transport Association, global air cargo volumes rose by 5.8 percent year-on-year in April 2025, driven by strong international activity, seasonal demand, and lower jet fuel prices.

“It’s a good demand for the Philippine economy,” Siy said.

“It provides more opportunities for both local manufacturers and exporters, especially MSMEs, to engage in international trade. With the expanding global market, we are dedicated to enabling Filipino businesses to reach it with safe, efficient, and competitive cargo solutions,” Siy added.

By embracing digital innovation, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging its extensive network, PAL Cargo is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of Filipino businesses in the digital age.