Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to equip its planes with locally-made cabin seats, a first for the country’s aviation industry, following the First Article Inspection of Collins Aerospace’s production facility in Tanauan City, Batangas.
The milestone was celebrated on November 13, 2024, in an event attended by BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, PAL President and CEO Capt. Stanley Ng, and Collins Aerospace Facility General Manager Mary Destaffan.
“This is a show of trust and pride in the capabilities of the Filipino workforce,” said Halili-Dichosa.
She emphasized that this achievement strengthens the Philippines’ position in the global aerospace value chain, with the Collins facility showcasing how foreign direct investments (FDIs) can stimulate innovation, create high-quality jobs, and bolster the country’s competitiveness.
The initiative reflects the collaboration between PAL and Collins Aerospace, which began its operations in Batangas in 2012.
The facility manufactures lavatories, galleys, galley inserts, and aircraft seating products for major global airlines, including Airbus and Boeing.
PAL President & COO Capt. Stanley Ng hailed the development as a “historic moment” for the airline and the country.
“We are proud to support Philippine-made products, and with this collaboration, our passengers will soon experience the workmanship, quality, and comfort of seats manufactured right here in the Philippines,” he said.
Ng added that the partnership with Collins not only benefits PAL but also creates new job opportunities for Filipinos.
Collins Aerospace Philippines General Manager Mary Destaffan expressed gratitude to PAL for its trust and collaboration.
“This partnership with Philippine Airlines is a significant milestone for Collins Aerospace,” she said.
Collins Aerospace’s Batangas facility is one of its largest globally, employing over 3,500 workers in engineering and production roles.
The site’s capabilities were showcased earlier this year when it delivered its first shipment of Meridian® main cabin seats to Airbus in March 2024, offering ergonomic design and in-seat storage for enhanced passenger comfort.
With production capacity expected to triple by the end of 2024, the facility is poised to meet growing demand for both new and retrofit aircraft seating projects.
The facility also operates entirely on renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 25,000 metric tons annually.
The Board of Investments (BOI) has lauded Collins’ contributions, which align with the government’s push to strengthen high-value industries like aerospace through the CREATE MORE Act.
“This milestone is a testament to the capabilities of our local manufacturing sector,” said Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Frederick D. Go.
He added that the government’s streamlined incentives aim to pave the way for more investments and growth in the sector.
