Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, is ushering in a new era for its freight and logistics arm, PAL Cargo, as it celebrates 85 years of service. The revitalized cargo division reaffirms the airline’s signature brand of “Care that Delivers” with a stronger digital foundation, wider reach, and enhanced logistics services for businesses of all sizes.
“PAL Cargo is stepping up to meet the demands of the digital-first economy,” said Jason Siy, Vice President for Cargo. “Our upgraded services support the growth of e-commerce, empower MSMEs, and offer seamless logistics solutions across the Philippines and the world.”
Freight Services That Deliver More Than Just Cargo
PAL Cargo’s services cater to a broad range of clients—individuals, freight forwarders, and corporations—with offerings that include the transport of high-value goods, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce products. Notably, the unit adheres to international standards, including IATA-certified pet handling and tight security protocols for premium shipments.
It also ensures that valuable items are handled with care: they are the last to be loaded and the first to be offloaded, with security teams assigned for charter flights when necessary.
Working with trusted partners such as Airspeed and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PAL Cargo is making it easier for MSMEs to ship products locally and abroad. A formal partnership with the DTI is expected soon, which will further support the reach of Filipino enterprises.
Digitally-Driven and Customer-Focused
To simplify cargo transactions, PAL Cargo has embraced digitalization. Businesses and individual customers can now book, pay, and track domestic shipments online. A mobile-friendly platform is also in the works, along with expansion of online capabilities for international cargo services.
In a bid to enhance the customer journey even more, PAL Cargo is set to launch a Port-to-Door delivery service. This will complement its current airport-to-airport model, offering greater convenience and access. There are also plans to integrate PAL’s Mabuhay Miles program into cargo transactions, enabling customers to earn rewards through their logistics spending.
Siy highlights the popularity of two services in particular: the Block Space Agreement, which secures long-term cargo space regardless of volume, and Rush Cargo, a premium, guaranteed-slot service for urgent shipments.
National Reach, Global Connectivity
With major cargo hubs in Manila (NAIA), Clark, Cebu, and Davao, PAL Cargo operates a robust network that connects even the farthest reaches of the Philippines to international markets. This strategic hub model ensures faster, more efficient movement of goods both domestically and globally.
“Our cargo network gives Filipino businesses the reach they need to compete internationally,” said Siy. “Even in destinations we don’t currently fly to, our global partners enable us to extend our services and connect our clients’ businesses to new markets.”
A Booming Outlook for Air Cargo
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo volumes rose by 5.8% in April 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by strong demand, seasonal surges in consumer goods, and favorable operating costs. This upward trend signals better opportunities for logistics players, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
“This is a promising sign for the Philippine economy,” Siy noted. “With global demand rising, our mission is to ensure that Filipino producers and exporters—especially MSMEs—can participate actively in international trade with reliable, efficient, and competitive cargo solutions.”
As PAL Cargo leads the airline’s logistics transformation, it positions itself not just as a freight carrier, but as a strategic enabler of economic growth and digital empowerment for the Philippines.
Explore PAL Cargo’s services at https://www.philippineairlines.com/ph/en/cargo.html.
