(RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL) — Philippine Airlines will join oneworld in 2027, giving Mabuhay Miles members new earning and redemption options across a larger global network. The announcement came June 7 at the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The move makes Philippine Airlines the alliance’s 16th member and the second full oneworld carrier based in Southeast Asia, after Malaysia Airlines. Once fully integrated, oneworld said the combined network will reach nearly 1,000 destinations in more than 170 countries and territories.

That reach matters because Philippine Airlines already serves a broad domestic and long-haul network from Manila and other Philippine gateways. Adding PAL brings more local feed into the alliance, including routes to smaller leisure markets that are often harder to reach on one ticket.

One of the biggest changes will come for Mabuhay Miles members. After integration, they will be able to earn and redeem miles across all oneworld airlines. That opens the door to using Philippine Airlines miles on partners such as American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Qantas, once the program links are live.

Elite PAL customers are set to receive oneworld Priority benefits as well. Those benefits include lounge access, priority check-in, priority boarding, and related airport perks on eligible trips. Travelers who already hold status with a oneworld carrier will also have a new option when booking travel through the Philippines.

PAL also said the alliance will add Philippine destinations such as Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, and Tawi-Tawi Island to its map. Those airports matter for travelers heading to beach resorts, island destinations, and domestic connections that do not always sit inside the main long-haul network.

The announcement lands at a moment when airlines are using alliances to widen reach without adding large fleets overnight. oneworld already includes several major international carriers, but PAL gives the group a stronger foothold in a fast-growing part of Asia. Malaysia Airlines remains the only other full Southeast Asia-based member.

Frequent flyers will want to watch the next phase closely. Once the tie-up is active, American AAdvantage, British Airways Executive Club Avios, and other oneworld-linked programs should become part of the conversation for PAL itineraries. That can affect award pricing, partner-earning rates, and upgrade paths on mixed-airline trips.

Exact redemption charts, elite-qualifying rules, and reciprocal benefits have not yet been published for the full rollout. PAL and oneworld will need time to align booking classes, lounge access rules, and mileage posting before members see the full value at airport counters and online booking screens.

Travelers planning trips to the Philippines should watch for ticketing updates as 2027 approaches, especially if the itinerary includes Manila connections or island hops. Once PAL’s oneworld status goes live, award searches and status benefits should be checked again before booking, since partner options will change with the integration.