Philippine Airlines Cadet Batch to Begin Flight Training with Airways Aviation in Australia

Philippines & Australia – Philippine Airlines’ PAL Aviation School has prepared its AO Class 2026 Charlie trainee pilot cohort to travel to Brisbane for the Australian flight-training phase of its ab-initio program with Airways Aviation Australia. The latest intake continues the airline’s relaunched pilot-development pipeline, which combines training in the Philippines with practical flight training in Australia.

• The PAL Ab-Initio Pilot Training Program runs for approximately 18 months and requires trainees to complete 200 flight hours toward a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating. PAL states that graduates seeking a career with the airline must subsequently convert the Australian licence to a CAAP-issued CPL.
• Philippine Airlines hosted Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown with AO Class 2026 Charlie in September 2026 before the group’s planned departure for Brisbane.
• Training under the PAL Aviation School–Airways Aviation partnership includes:
  • Classroom and theoretical instruction.
  • ALSIM AL250 fixed-base simulator training.
  • Flight training using Cessna 172R and Cessna 172S aircraft.
  • 200 hours of flight time as part of the pathway to a CASA CPL with Instrument Rating.
• Airways Aviation Australia operates training locations at Brisbane’s Archerfield Airport, the Gold Coast and Lismore. Its Australian operation holds CASA Part 141 and Part 142 approvals, an Air Operator’s Certificate, Registered Training Organisation status and CRICOS registration for international students.
• The PAL program is self-funded and does not guarantee subsequent airline employment. PAL states that graduates may be offered an interview according to company requirements and available positions. Applicants are required to be Filipino citizens, hold a valid Philippine passport and have completed an undergraduate degree.
• AFM previously reported that Airways Aviation welcomed the first 2026 PAL cadet intake in February, comprising 22 students beginning ground-school training in the Philippines before transitioning to Australia for practical flight training. AFM also reported in October 2025 on an earlier PAL Aviation School group commencing its Australian flight-training phase at Airways Aviation’s Archerfield Airport campus.
• The PAL Aviation School partnership with Airways Aviation was announced in April 2025 as part of the airline’s relaunch of its ab-initio pilot training operation. PAL selected Airways Aviation’s Australian training network to provide the practical flying component of the program. 

Statements

• “It is a privilege and pleasure for Airways Aviation to partner with Philippine Airlines in supporting the development of the next generation of professional Filipino pilots. Through the world-class flight training facilities in both Manila, Philippines and Brisbane, Australia, cadets gain valuable hands-on experience, advanced aviation skills and the professional standards needed to thrive in both the domestic as well as global aviation environment,” said Romy Hawatt, Chairman at Airways Aviation.
• “The selection and quality Filipino cadets has been generally first class and we are proud to contribute to this important journey alongside Philippine Airlines helping nurture along these talented aviators from their first hours in the cockpit through to becoming confident, capable and career-ready commercial pilots,” said Romy Hawatt, Chairman at Airways Aviation.

About Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines is the Philippines’ flag carrier, headquartered in Metro Manila, and operates domestic and international passenger services from hubs including Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao. Its current fleet incorporates Airbus A320, A321, A330 and A350 family aircraft, Boeing 777-300ERs and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s; PAL reported a fleet of 83 aircraft in March 2026.

PAL Aviation School traces its operations to the 1960s, while the PAL Aviation Training Center is a CAAP-certified Approved Training Organization responsible for flight deck, cabin crew, ground operations and dispatcher training. Its training equipment includes an Airbus A320 full-flight simulator, Airbus Procedure Trainer and Boeing 777 Enhanced Virtual Procedure Trainer.

About Airways Aviation
Airways Aviation is an international aviation training group with operations across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The group operates more than 100 training aircraft globally, including Diamond DA20, DA40 and DA42, Cessna 152, 172 and 182 and Piper Seminole aircraft. Airways Aviation Australia operates from Brisbane, Gold Coast and Lismore and provides training to self-sponsored students and partner organisations.

Source: Philippine Airlines & Airways Aviation