PAL Express and Airphil Express

PAL Express: Philippines' Regional Aviation Pioneer

PAL Express (IATA: 2P), formerly known as Air Philippines (1995–2010) and Airphil Express (2010–2013), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Philippine Airlines, serving as its low-cost regional brand. Founded on February 13, 1995, as Air Philippines, it began operations in 1996 with turboprop aircraft for domestic routes. After financial challenges led to a brief cessation in 2010, it rebranded as Airphil Express before reverting to PAL Express in March 2013 under PAL Holdings' ownership.

Headquartered in Pasay, Metro Manila, PAL Express operates from key hubs including Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Clark International (CRK), Mactan–Cebu (CEB), and Francisco Bangoy (DVO). It connects 32 domestic destinations, focusing on underserved regional routes with a mix of jet and turboprop aircraft. In a competitive market dominated by Cebu Pacific, PAL Express differentiates through codesharing with its full-service parent, offering seamless connections and occasional premium touches like complimentary snacks on select flights.

Fleet and Operations: As of August 2025, its fleet comprises 32 aircraft (17 Airbus A320-200s, 4 A321-200s, and 11 Dash 8-400s), averaging 12.4 years old. This nimble setup supports high-frequency short-haul flights, with recent expansions including Clark-based turboprop services launched in 2016. In February 2026, it announced relocating all turboprops from Manila to Clark for efficiency.

What sets PAL Express apart is its evolution from a standalone LCC to PAL's strategic regional arm, capturing 19% domestic market share at its peak. Despite passenger feedback highlighting delays and basic amenities—earning modest 2.5/5 averages on sites like Skytrax and AirlineRatings—it boasts a perfect 7/7 safety rating. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking reliable Philippine island-hopping, PAL Express embodies accessible aviation in Southeast Asia's fastest-growing market.