PAL and Qatar Airways expand codeshare, loyalty tie-up

Insider Spotlight

• Philippine Airlines and Qatar Airways will expand their codeshare partnership starting June 1, 2026
• The deal opens access to more than 40 additional destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Philippines
• Mabuhay Miles and Privilege Club members can now earn and redeem rewards across both airline networks
  
  

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Qatar Airways are deepening their strategic alliance with an expanded codeshare arrangement and reciprocal loyalty program benefits aimed at boosting international connectivity and passenger retention.

Starting June 1, 2026, PAL will place its PR code on Qatar Airways-operated flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, allowing travelers seamless access to more than 20 European destinations through Hamad International Airport, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt. 

Qatar Airways, meanwhile, will place its QR code on PAL domestic services connecting Manila and Cebu to tourism hotspots such as Boracay and Puerto Princesa.

The expanded partnership builds on the airlines’ initial codeshare agreement launched in June 2025, signaling growing demand for integrated long-haul and regional travel options between Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, PAL said in a statement.

Why it matters

The collaboration strengthens PAL’s international reach without immediately adding aircraft capacity, while giving Qatar Airways deeper penetration into the Philippine domestic market, particularly leisure destinations popular with global tourists.

The arrangement also intensifies competition among Asian and Gulf carriers seeking to dominate transit traffic between Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.

Beyond route integration, the airlines are linking their loyalty ecosystems. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now earn and redeem Avios points across PAL’s network covering Southeast Asia, Australasia, the United States, and Philippine regional hubs including Cebu, Clark, and Davao. 

PAL Mabuhay Miles members will similarly gain access to Qatar Airways’ extensive network across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Qatar Airways said the PAL partnership marks the 26th airline tie-up for Privilege Club, expanding its Southeast Asian footprint.

By the numbers

PAL currently serves 29 domestic and 40 international destinations using Boeing, Airbus, and De Havilland aircraft from hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao. Qatar Airways operates flights to more than 150 global destinations through Doha.

Both carriers also highlighted operational reliability as a selling point. PAL was recognized by Cirium as Asia-Pacific’s most punctual airline for 2025, while Qatar Airways received Cirium’s Platinum performance recognition this year. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma