Philippine Airlines Revives Inflight Magazine After Five-Year Break
Philippine Airlines has revived its inflight publication, Mabuhay Magazine, after five years, coinciding with the airline’s upcoming 85th anniversary.
The last issue was released in March 2020 before the publication paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new edition, titled the ‘Homecoming Issue,’ focuses on narratives that celebrate the theme of returning to the Philippines.
“We’ve created a thematic collection of stories to accompany you during your travels, rather than highlighting just the latest places to visit. These stories reflect the different meanings of homecoming,” shared the magazine’s editorial team.
A Historic Venue for the Relaunch
The relaunch event took place at a significant location: the Nielsen Tower, the original terminal for Manila’s airport.
This historic site was where Philippine Airlines launched its very first flight in 1941, connecting Manila to Baguio aboard a Beechcraft Model 18 NPC-54.
PAL President Richard Nuttall emphasized the airline’s progress in his message in the publication.
“Our growing international network now reaches over 38 destinations across Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East—thanks to our ongoing investments in modernizing our fleet, enhancing digital capabilities, and improving customer experiences,” he noted.
A Transformative Era
The magazine’s return marks the conclusion of a pivotal modernization phase for the airline. PAL has begun updating its fleet of 18 Airbus A321ceo aircraft to standardize cabin experiences and elevate passenger comfort.
The first enhanced aircraft entered service in September 2025, featuring a new dual-class configuration with 12 business class seats and 182 economy seats. Each seat is equipped with personal entertainment screens and USB charging ports. Remarkably, the economy seats are Collins Pinnacle models produced in the Philippines, making PAL a pioneer in installing locally manufactured seats during a major cabin upgrade.
Looking forward, the airline expects to receive its first Airbus A350-1000 by late 2025 or early 2026. This will position Philippine Airlines as the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate this aircraft variant.
Are you excited to read the new issue of Mabuhay Magazine during your next flight?
