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Several of my family members and relatives are past and present Philippine Airlines (PAL) employees, our national flag carrier. My siblings and I owe my Ninang Josie and my Tito Jojo, who are proud retirees of PAL, a lot as they helped finance our studies and more from high school to college. Their hard work, generosity, and sacrifices will always be our inspiration.
Back in the day, I fondly remember having a stash of Mabuhay, also known as Mabuhay Magazine, at home. It is a monthly publication that serves as the inflight magazine of Philippine Airlines. I would daydream of flying to different countries aboard Philippine Airlines. Dreams come true, and I am a living testament to that.
A Facebook post from Asian SEA Story showcased the long history of National flag carriers in Southeast Asia (SEA). National flag carriers are airlines owned or partially owned by the government of a particular country and typically operate under that country’s national flag. These airlines are often considered a symbol of national pride and may receive support and protection from their respective governments.
National flag carriers often play a significant role in their country’s aviation industry, providing essential connections to other countries and regions, supporting tourism, and contributing to the overall economy. Many national flag carriers also serve as ambassadors for their countries, promoting their culture and values through branding and marketing.
The airline industry in SEA significantly contributes to the region’s economic growth and development. It is a rapidly expanding industry, with many new airlines entering the market in recent years. However, the airline industry in SEA faces some challenges, including intense competition, volatile fuel prices, and regulatory issues.
Some have even been privatized or merged with other airlines to remain competitive. However, with a growing middle class and increasing demand for air travel, the industry is expected to grow in the coming years.
People are generally expected to desire to travel after the pandemic strongly. Many people have had to cancel or postpone travel plans during the pandemic, and the restrictions on travel and social distancing measures have left people feeling isolated and confined.
As vaccination rates increase and the pandemic comes under control, many people will be eager to return to traveling and exploring the world.
There has already been an uptick in travel bookings in some regions as people feel more comfortable traveling again. Some travel companies also offer flexible cancellation policies and other incentives to encourage people to book trips.
However, it’s important to note that travel after the pandemic may look different than it did before. New health and safety protocols, such as mask mandates and testing requirements, may be in place. Additionally, some destinations may still have travel restrictions or quarantine requirements. As always, travelers must stay informed and flexible as they plan their trips.
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National Flag Carrier Airlines of SEA
Philippines: Philippine Airlines (Founded – 1941) 82 Years old
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the flag carrier of the Philippines, headquartered in Pasay City, Metro Manila. The airline was founded in 1941 and is the oldest commercial airline in Asia, operating under its original name.
PAL operates a narrow- and wide-body aircraft fleet, including the Airbus A320 family, Airbus A330, and Boeing 777. The airline operates flights to more than 50 destinations, including domestic and international destinations in Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.
In recent years, Philippine Airlines has undergone significant changes, including introducing new aircraft and expanding its route network. The airline has upgraded its in-flight services and entertainment offerings to enhance the customer experience.
PAL is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the largest airline in the Philippines, serving as an essential link between the Philippines and the rest of the world.
Indonesia: Garuda Indonesia (Founded – 1947) 76 Years old
Garuda Indonesia is the national airline of Indonesia. It was founded in 1949 and operated domestic and international flights to destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. The airline is named after Garuda, a legendary bird in Hindu and Buddhist mythology that is considered a national symbol of Indonesia.
Garuda Indonesia has won several awards for its service, including the “World’s Best Cabin Crew” award from Skytrax in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Malaysia: Malaysia Airlines (Founded – 1947) 76 Years old
Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia. It was founded in 1947 and operated domestic and international flights to destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. The airline has a Kuala Lumpur International Airport hub and is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance.
Malaysia Airlines won several awards for its service, including the “World’s Best Cabin Crew” award from Skytrax in 2012 and the “World’s Best Economy Class” award in 2019. In 2014, the airline suffered two significant tragedies: the disappearance of Flight MH370 and the shooting down of Flight MH17 in Ukraine.
Singapore: Singapore Airlines (Founded – 1947) 76 Years old
Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. It was founded in 1947 and operated flights to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa. The airline is based at Singapore Changi Airport and is a Star Alliance airline alliance member.
Singapore Airlines is known for its high level of service and has won numerous awards for its inflight experience, including the “World’s Best Airline” award from Skytrax four times, most recently in 2018. The airline has a reputation for innovation and was the first to offer a personal entertainment system and a double bed in Business Class.
Myanmar: Myanmar National Airlines (Founded – 1948) 75 Years old
Myanmar National Airlines is the national carrier of Myanmar. It was founded in 1948 as Union of Burma Airways and has undergone several name changes. The airline operates domestic and international flights to destinations across Asia, including Bangkok, Singapore, and Kolkata.
The airline has a hub at Yangon International Airport and is Myanmar’s oldest and largest airline. Myanmar National Airlines has modernized its fleet in recent years and operates a mix of Airbus and Embraer aircraft. The airline has also been working to improve its service standards and expand its route network.
Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines (Founded – 1956) 67 Years old
Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier of Vietnam. It was founded in 1956 and operated domestic and international flights to destinations across Asia, Europe, and Australia. The airline is based at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and has a hub at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance and has codeshare agreements with several other airlines. The airline won several awards for its service, including the “World’s Leading Cultural Airline” award from World Travel Awards in 2019. Vietnam Airlines operates a modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft and is expanding its route network and upgrading its inflight experience.
Thailand: Thai Airways (Founded – 1960) 63 Years old
Thai Airways International, also known as THAI, is the national carrier of Thailand. It was founded in 1960 and operated domestic and international flights to destinations across Asia, Europe, and Australia. The airline is based at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and is a Star Alliance airline alliance member. Thai Airways has won several awards for its service, including the “World’s Best Economy Class” award from Skytrax in 2019.
The airline operates a modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft and is known for its traditional Thai hospitality and attention to detail. Thai Airways has faced financial challenges in recent years, and in 2020 it filed for bankruptcy protection due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline industry.
Brunei: Royal Brunei Airlines (Founded – 1974) 49 Years old
Royal Brunei Airlines is the national carrier of Brunei Darussalam. It was founded in 1974 and operated domestic and international flights to destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The airline is based at Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan and is owned by the government of Brunei.
Royal Brunei Airlines has won several awards for its service, including the “World’s Best Economy Class” award from Skytrax in 2018. The airline operates a modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft and has recently undergone a transformation program to improve its inflight experience and customer service.
Royal Brunei Airlines is also committed to sustainability and has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact, including investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and reducing plastic waste on board.
Laos: Lao Airlines (Founded – 1976) 47 Years old
Lao Airlines is the national carrier of Laos. It was founded in 1976 and operated domestic and international flights to destinations across Asia, including Bangkok, Hanoi, and Singapore. The airline is based at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and is owned by the government of Laos.
Lao Airlines operates an ATR and Airbus aircraft fleet with a codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlines. The airline has won several awards for its service, including the “Best Airline in Laos” award from Skytrax in 2019.
Lao Airlines is also committed to safety and has received certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its safety management systems.
Timor-Leste: Air Timor (Founded – 2007) 16 Years old
Air Timor is an airline based in Dili, Timor-Leste (East Timor). It was founded in 2007 and operated domestic and international flights to Indonesia, Australia, and Timor-Leste destinations. The airline’s hub is at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili.
Air Timor operates a small fleet of aircraft, including the Cessna Grand Caravan and the Embraer E-120, and offers both scheduled and charter flights. The airline’s mission is to support economic development and tourism in Timor-Leste by improving air connectivity to the country.
Cambodia: Cambodia Angkor Air (Founded – 2009) 14 Years old
Cambodia Angkor Air is the national carrier of Cambodia. It was founded in 2009 as a joint venture between the Cambodian government and Vietnam Airlines. The airline operates domestic and international flights to destinations across Asia, including Bangkok, Singapore, and Hanoi. Cambodia
Angkor Air is based at Phnom Penh International Airport and has a secondary hub at Siem Reap International Airport. The airline operates a modern fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft and has won several awards for its service, including the “Best Airline in Cambodia” award from Skytrax in 2019.
Cambodia Angkor Air is committed to safety and has received certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its safety management systems.
