PAL School Sends Pilot Trainees to Australia

The PAL Aviation School proudly sends off 14 pilot trainees to Australia for advanced flight training

PAL School Sends Pilot Trainees to Australia

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | October 6, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Dreams are taking flight for 14 pilot trainees from the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Aviation School’s AO Class 2025 Alpha.

The students left for Australia on Sept. 28 to undergo advanced flight training at Airways Aviation’s Gold Coast campus.

This marks a significant step in PAL’s commitment to developing world-class pilots and bolstering its expanding fleet.

The PAL Aviation School, relaunched in early 2025 through a partnership with Australia-based Airways Aviation, held a send-off ceremony at the Lucio K. Tan Jr. Center.

The event was attended by PAL officials and the trainees’ family members.

The collaboration between PAL Aviation School and Airways Aviation Australia will see the trainees completing both theoretical and practical flight training in Australia, building upon their initial training in the Philippines.

“Through the halls of the PAL Aviation School pass the best and brightest pilots who continue to uphold the principles of discipline, professionalism, and commitment to duty,” said Capt. Roland Narciso, PAL senior vice president – Operations Group.

The partnership is crucial for maintaining the highest standards of pilot training.

“The PAL Aviation School maintains the highest standards of pilot training, equipping future aviators with the knowledge and skills necessary for commercial flight,” Narciso said.

“Our partnership with Airways Aviation provides a strong foundation through innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities,” he added.

With a history dating back to the early 1960s, the PAL Aviation School has trained over a thousand pilots, playing a pivotal role in shaping the Philippine aviation industry.

The latest initiative underscores PAL’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of aviators.

The influx of new pilots is vital to support the expansion of the PAL fleet.

The airline is set to receive nine new A350-1000 aircraft, with the first delivery expected by the end of 2025 and the remaining eight between 2026 and 2028.

Additionally, 13 new Airbus A321neo aircraft will be delivered in phases starting in 2026.

The new aircraft will require skilled pilots, and the PAL Aviation School, in partnership with Airways Aviation, is poised to meet that demand.