PAL Express

PAL Express (formerly branded as Air Philippines and Airphil Express and stylized as PAL express) is a wholly owned regional subsidiary of Philippine Airlines. It is PAL's regional brand, with services from its hubs in Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao. The airline was rebranded a number of times - first as Air Philippines, then Airphil Express, and finally as PAL Express.^[1]

Beginnings as Air Philippines (1995–1999)

Air Philippines was incorporated on February 13, 1995, with its hub at Subic Bay International Airport. Flight operations started on February 1, 1996, with a Boeing 737-200 between Subic Bay, Iloilo, and Zamboanga. In 1996, six NAMC YS-11 and four Boeing 737-200 aircraft were acquired by the company.^[1]

Lucio Tan Group takeover (1999–2008)

It was in 1999 that the Lucio Tan Group took over management of the airline. In March 1999, Air Philippines was granted approval to operate international services to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA. In May 2001, two Boeing 737-300 aircraft were delivered to the airline.^[1]

PAL Express launch (2008–2010)

On April 10, 2008, Philippine Airlines announced an order for aircraft for the PAL Express fleet. It consisted of aircraft from the Bombardier Q family, including three from the Q300 series and six from the Q400 series, manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace in a deal valued at $150 million. PAL announced on April 13 that the new fleet would be based mainly in Cebu to serve regional routes, while flights from Manila would also be launched.^[1]

Airphil Express rebranding (2010–2012)

Air Philippines was rebranded as Airphil Express on March 28, 2010. The airline restored jet service to Iloilo, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa and Cagayan de Oro, utilizing Airbus A320 family aircraft. The airline subsequently operated eight Bombardier Q300 and Q400 turboprop aircraft and two Airbus A320s, all of which were former Philippine Airlines aircraft.^[1]

PAL Express revival (2013–present)

In August 2012, Philippine Airlines announced the rebranding of Airphil Express as PAL Express. The rebranding took effect on March 15, 2013, while maintaining its business name as Air Philippines Corporation.^[1]

Current fleet

As of August 2026, PAL Express operates the following aircraft:^[1]

Former fleet

PAL Express and its predecessor brands (Air Philippines and Airphil Express) have previously operated the following aircraft:^[1]

Incidents and accidents

On June 24, 1996, an Air Philippines YS-11 struck a ground power unit while taxiing at Naga Airport (WNP). The aircraft caught fire. There were no fatalities among the 34 aircraft occupants.^[1]