(MANILA, PHILIPPINES) Philippine Airlines has opened applications for its 2025 Aviation School intake, a major restart of the flag carrier’s pilot training arm following an April relaunch with upgraded facilities and an international training partner.
Applications began on August 18, 2025, with PAL confirming an 18‑month ab‑initio program priced at about ₱4.5 million and delivered in Manila. The move aims to address rising pilot demand across Southeast Asia and rebuild a local training pipeline paused during the pandemic.
Program overview and strategic context
The program—often called the “2025 Aviation School” intake by Philippine Airlines—comes with refreshed standards and new simulators aligned with global best practices. PAL said the intake will be among its biggest in years, supported by modernized aircraft and a structured selection process.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, carriers in the region are preparing for a multi‑year growth cycle, which is pushing airlines and schools to expand training capacity sooner rather than later.
“PAL Aviation School’s relaunch represents our commitment to developing world-class Filipino pilots and supporting the country’s aviation industry resurgence.”
— Captain Stanley Ng, PAL President & COO (April 2025)
PAL’s partner, Airways Aviation, said the collaboration will bring advanced training tools and global procedures to Filipino cadets, aiming to shorten the time between graduation and entry‑level airline roles.
PAL expects to train more than 120 new pilots through the 2025 intake, reflecting strong travel recovery and new aircraft orders across the region. That target marks one of the carrier’s most ambitious training plans in years and signals PAL’s intent to anchor pilot supply at home rather than rely heavily on overseas recruitment.
Program requirements and cost
PAL set clear eligibility criteria for the 2025 class. Applicants must meet age, education, health, and language standards required for pilot licensing in the Philippines.
Key eligibility points:
– Citizenship: Filipino citizen
– Age: Not more than 37 at the start of training
– Education: Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
– Vision: 20/20 (corrective lenses allowed)
– Height: At least 5’4″ (PAL notes this may be reviewed for 2025)
– English: Must show strong English skills, as required by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
– Medical: Must pass a Class 1 Medical Certificate exam
Cost and financing:
– Full course fee: approximately ₱4.5 million (covers tuition, flight hours, simulator sessions, and training materials)
– Funding: Program remains self‑funded for 2025. PAL has not announced carrier‑funded scholarships.
– Applicants are advised to explore private bank loans or public financing options. PAL does not endorse a specific lender and urges careful review of terms before committing.
For official guidance on the Class 1 Medical and other licensing standards consult CAAP: https://caap.gov.ph
Many candidates view the relaunch as a timely path back to flying after pandemic delays. For university graduates in their mid‑20s to early‑30s, the 18‑month timeline is attractive, although families must weigh the ₱4.5 million cost against expected starter salaries and the time needed to build hours toward airline qualification.
Application steps and timeline
PAL outlined a multi‑stage admissions process that moves from document checks to testing, medicals, and interviews.
1) Prepare documents
– Transcript of Records
– College Diploma
– NSO‑certified Birth Certificate
– Resume with 2×2 photo (red background)
2) Submit your application
– Online through the PAL Aviation School portal
– In person at Gate 3, Andrews Avenue, Nichols, Pasay City
3) Initial screening
– PAL reviews academic background and basic qualifications
4) Aptitude testing
– Written exams in math, physics, and English
5) Medical examination
– Performed by CAAP‑accredited clinics for the Class 1 Medical
6) Panel interview
– Focus on motivation, communication, teamwork, and readiness for pilot training
7) Final selection
– Accepted candidates receive enrollment instructions and timelines
Important notes:
– Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission—capacity is limited.
– PAL expects strong interest due to ongoing pilot shortages across the region.
– Early submission is encouraged to avoid delays and allow time for scheduling medical exams.
Program information and official contacts:
– PAL Aviation School page: https://www.philippineairlines.com/ph/en/AviationSchool.html
– Press release: https://www.philippineairlines.com/ph/en/newsevent-listingpage/press-releases-statements/philippine-airlines-relaunches-pal-aviation-school-partners-with-airways-aviation.html
– Admissions email: [email protected]
Training features and outcomes
The training relaunch adds modern flight simulators and expands the aircraft fleet dedicated to student use, part of a push to align with international airline standards.
Benefits highlighted by PAL and Airways Aviation:
– More hands‑on time in modern simulators
– Training aligned with multi‑crew airline environments
– Structured syllabi designed to shorten path to entry‑level airline roles
Graduate pathways:
– Graduates may be considered for PAL’s cadet pilot pathways.
– Depending on operational needs and further checks, some graduates could be assessed for direct entry into PAL aircraft.
– Employment is not automatic; candidates must still pass airline hiring stages, aircraft type ratings, and recurrent checks.
Regulatory standards:
– CAAP’s English proficiency rules keep radio calls and cockpit communication clear.
– The Class 1 Medical focuses on heart health, vision, hearing, and overall fitness to fly.
– Candidates who fail a medical may have options to re‑test; PAL advises early medical screening to avoid last‑minute surprises.
History and future plans
- PAL Aviation School dates back to the 1960s and has produced generations of Filipino pilots.
- The program paused during the pandemic and ran at limited capacity afterward.
- The 2025 intake is the first full‑scale class since 2019, with updated syllabi and equipment.
Plans under consideration:
– PAL is studying additional training centers in Visayas and Mindanao by 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
– Curriculum updates under review include modern avionics, data‑driven flight training, and sustainability practices.
– PAL has floated the idea of future sponsorships for top performers but has not announced sponsored slots for 2025.
Practical advice for applicants
Three practical steps to prepare:
1. Confirm eligibility
– Verify age, degree, and Class 1 Medical standards before paying test fees.
2. Plan financing
– Sketch a financing plan that covers the ₱4.5 million program plus living costs over 18 months.
3. Prepare academically
– Build strong study habits in math, physics, and English to help on aptitude tests and in ground school.
PAL’s message: the door is open, but success comes to applicants who prepare early and treat the process like a professional commitment from day one.
This Article in a Nutshell
Philippine Airlines relaunched its 2025 Aviation School on August 18, 2025, offering an 18-month, ₱4.5 million ab‑initio program. Partnering with Airways Aviation and new simulators, PAL plans to train over 120 pilots, rebuild local supply, and meet Southeast Asia’s growing pilot demand with structured selection and modern training.
