Philippine Airlines Appoints Former SriLankan CEO, Strengthens Doha Flights

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced a leadership change that also promises stronger air connections between the Philippines and Doha, Qatar. The airline has appointed Richard Nuttall, the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

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Nuttall had been working with PAL since 2022, serving as the Chief Commercial Officer. His promotion to COO and President comes as the airline focuses on expanding its international reach, especially in the Middle East.

One of the key parts of this strategy is PAL’s recent decision to increase the number of flights between Manila and Doha. Starting July 2, 2024, Philippine Airlines will operate five flights per week between the two cities. This change aims to better serve the large number of Filipinos working and living in Qatar, and it will also support stronger business and tourism ties.

Nuttall is well-known in the aviation industry. He has over 30 years of experience and has worked with several major airlines, including Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian. His background in the Middle East region makes him a strong choice to help improve PAL’s performance in key markets like Doha.

The airline says this leadership change and flight expansion reflect its commitment to giving passengers more options, better service, and smoother travel experiences. With Nuttall at the helm, PAL hopes to improve its network, raise its international profile, and meet the growing demand for travel between the Philippines and the Middle East.

Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier of the Philippines and operates flights to over 40 international destinations. The new Doha schedule will offer more flexibility for travelers flying between Southeast Asia and the Gulf region.