Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been invited to join the oneworld alliance, a move that would make the carrier the group's 16th member airline.
The invitation was announced during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual general meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
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Once the accession process is completed, Philippine Airlines will become only the second full oneworld member based in Southeast Asia, alongside Malaysia Airlines.
The addition would strengthen oneworld's presence in the Philippines and expand the alliance's network in the Asia-Pacific region. PAL operates domestic services throughout the archipelago as well as international routes across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.
Founded in 1941, Philippine Airlines is the country's flag carrier and currently operates a fleet of 84 aircraft. Its long-haul fleet includes Airbus A350-1000s used on routes to North America and other international destinations.
The airline's entry would provide oneworld customers with access to additional destinations in the Philippines while allowing PAL passengers to benefit from the alliance's global network, which spans nearly 1,000 destinations in more than 170 countries and territories.
Philippine Airlines already maintains partnerships with several oneworld carriers, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
For members of PAL's Mabuhay Miles program, joining oneworld would allow mileage earning and redemption across alliance airlines. Eligible passengers would also gain access to priority services and airport lounges available through the alliance network.
The invitation comes as global airline alliances continue to expand their reach through selected additions rather than large-scale membership growth. Oneworld's most recent additions include Oman Air, which joined the alliance in 2025, and Fiji Airways, which became a full member earlier this year.
Current oneworld members include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines and Fiji Airways.
The airline has not disclosed a timeline for completing the membership process.
