Philippine Airlines Shares Expansion Plans and Community Initiatives with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco
Deputy Consul General Maria Paz G. Cortes (center) received Mr. Jose Maria Alvarado (second from left), Regional Head for North America of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Mr. Joseph Callao (leftmost), Account Manager for International Sales, PAL San Francisco, during a courtesy call at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on 21 July 2026 to discuss the flag carrier’s expansion plans in the United States and opportunities for continued collaboration with the Filipino community. The meeting was also attended by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (second from right), Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) – San Francisco Administrative Officer Stalingrad F. Samson (rightmost), and Economic Assistant Danica Vismonte.
Mr. Alvarado shared updates on Philippine Airlines’ ongoing restructuring of its North American commercial operations, including the transition to a regional sales organization and the establishment of a centralized support system for travel agency partners. He also presented the airline’s fleet modernization program, highlighting the introduction of new Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with upgraded Business Class suites and expanded Premium Economy cabins, as well as PAL’s plans to increase capacity on key U.S. routes, including San Francisco.
The discussions also covered upcoming Philippine Airlines initiatives, including the airline’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the Philippine Airlines USA Cup golf fundraiser, and the continuation of the VIP Tour program, which remains one of PAL’s flagship engagements with overseas Filipinos in partnership with Philippine Foreign Service Posts. (San Francisco PCG photo)