Tuesday, June 17, 2025
In a bold move to reshape its global distribution strategy and enhance customer satisfaction, Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier of the Philippines, has entered into a strategic partnership with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). Through ARC’s innovative Direct Connect platform, the collaboration introduces a new era of airline retailing by embracing New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology—signaling a major step forward for PAL in the digital transformation of air travel sales and services.
This alliance marks a significant milestone not only for PAL but also for ARC’s expanding influence in modernizing the airline distribution landscape. ARC, a leading provider of data-driven insights and settlement solutions for the travel industry, continues to enable carriers and travel agencies to simplify operations, streamline processes, and offer more tailored services to customers through Direct Connect.
“We are excited to pioneer this modern distribution solution in the country,” said Justin Warby, PAL vice president, sales and distribution. “This undertaking is in line with PAL’s commitment to modernize distribution methods and deliver benefits for distribution partners and customers.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Philippine Airlines and help their team implement a modern retailing strategy,” said Paige Blunt, senior manager of Direct Connect and ONE Order at ARC. “PAL is demonstrating their commitment to the needs of the modern traveler by enabling NDC transactions through ARC Direct Connect.”
Revolutionizing Airline Retailing with ARC Direct Connect
ARC Direct Connect is a forward-looking distribution solution that empowers airlines like Philippine Airlines to implement NDC-enabled offers and interact directly with travel agencies and corporate travel buyers. This platform facilitates seamless data flow, secure transactions, and enhanced visibility into sales activities—all through ARC’s reliable settlement infrastructure.
For Philippine Airlines, this means gaining the ability to present customized content, pricing, and ancillary products directly to travel buyers in real time. As a full-service network airline with deep roots in both domestic and international travel markets, PAL now has the tools to showcase its broad array of services—including premium seating, baggage options, and lounge access—more effectively through digital retailing.
From the travel agency perspective, ARC Direct Connect provides a frictionless way to access airline content via NDC, manage transactions with increased control, and maintain accurate financial and operational reporting. Corporate travel buyers, too, benefit from enhanced transparency and access to more dynamic and personalized travel options for their employees.
Strategic Benefits for the Airline and Travel Ecosystem
The partnership aligns with a broader industry trend toward personalization, efficiency, and data-centric decision-making. As PAL integrates ARC Direct Connect into its global distribution framework, it gains the ability to move beyond traditional legacy distribution systems, which often limited airlines in terms of content differentiation and customer engagement.
By embracing a more direct, data-rich approach, Philippine Airlines enhances its ability to make intelligent commercial decisions, reduce distribution costs, and improve customer satisfaction. ARC’s trusted infrastructure ensures that these advantages are realized without compromising transactional integrity, regulatory compliance, or financial settlement accuracy.
For ARC, welcoming a prestigious partner like PAL into the Direct Connect ecosystem underscores its commitment to building a future-ready distribution environment that serves both airlines and travel sellers. The platform reflects ARC’s evolving role from a settlement-only provider to a data and technology partner that drives industry-wide innovation.
A New Chapter for Philippine Airlines
As the first commercial airline in Asia, Philippine Airlines carries a legacy of leadership and innovation that dates back to 1941. Over the decades, PAL has built a reputation as the country’s most prominent full-service airline, connecting the Philippines to destinations across Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.
Today, PAL operates a diverse and modern fleet, providing a variety of inflight services designed to meet the needs of leisure travelers, business executives, and the Filipino diaspora. Its adoption of ARC Direct Connect further solidifies its commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centric service in an increasingly digital global aviation market.
With a growing emphasis on digitization and customer engagement, PAL’s move to integrate with ARC’s platform reflects its strategic vision to become a more agile, data-savvy airline. This partnership enables the airline to respond more quickly to market shifts, implement flexible fare strategies, and reach travelers through more personalized and efficient channels.
ARC’s Expanding Role in Shaping the Future of Air Travel
The Airlines Reporting Corporation has long played a foundational role in supporting air travel commerce. By providing critical infrastructure, data services, and payment solutions, ARC connects a global ecosystem of airlines, travel agencies, and corporate buyers. Its technology and platforms support more than $100 billion in air travel transactions annually.
ARC’s Direct Connect represents the next evolution of airline distribution—one that gives travel sellers and buyers direct access to NDC content while ensuring that all transactions are settled securely and transparently. As airlines face increasing pressure to personalize offerings and optimize revenue streams, ARC’s capabilities help deliver real-time intelligence and commercial agility.
Through strategic collaborations like the one with Philippine Airlines, ARC is leading the charge in redefining how travel content is distributed, purchased, and settled. Its data platform powers the insights that fuel smarter decisions, from pricing strategies to route planning and beyond.
Moving Forward Together
As the travel industry continues to evolve, partnerships that foster innovation and deliver measurable value become essential. The ARC–Philippine Airlines collaboration is a clear example of such synergy—where modern technology meets legacy excellence to create better outcomes for all stakeholders.
Philippine Airlines is now better positioned to meet the expectations of 21st-century travelers, who increasingly seek transparency, personalization, and convenience in every journey. At the same time, ARC reinforces its leadership as a central force in transforming how airline content is distributed and settled.
This partnership is more than a technological integration—it is a strategic leap toward a more connected, efficient, and traveler-focused future for global aviation.
