Philippine Airlines (PAL) has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with RTX’s Collins Aerospace, marking the first-ever alliance between the two companies in the realm of aircraft seating. The collaboration reached a significant milestone as Collins Aerospace welcomed the Philippine flag carrier for the inaugural First Article Inspection (FAI) of aircraft seats at their Tanauan City facility, strategically located just two hours away from Manila.

Under the attentive supervision of airline president Stanley Ng and his team, Philippine Airlines scrutinized the Pinnacle main cabin seats, slated for installation on PAL’s narrow-body aircraft. The inspection event garnered a substantial audience, including representatives from the Board of Investment, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority of the Philippine Government’s Department of Trade and Industry, and even delegates from the US Embassy.

Designed to elevate passenger comfort with its modular structure, the Pinnacle main cabin seat strikes a delicate balance between durability and contemporary amenities, maximizing living space for the ultimate in-flight experience. Expressing his pride in the collaboration, Ng highlighted, “Philippine Airlines is proud to partner with Collins Aerospace in this initiative. This aligns seamlessly with our dedication to championing local industry while ensuring our passengers revel in the highest standards of comfort and safety. Becoming the pioneer airline in the country to deploy domestically manufactured seats infuses a special significance into our fleet enhancement program.”

Values echoed by Mary DeStaffan, Senior Director of Operations at Collins Aerospace Philippines, who remarked, “The expansion of Collins' main cabin seating production at our Philippines facility, along with the upcoming installation of these seats on the national flag carrier's aircraft, underlines our plant's exceptional capabilities on the global stage and underscores the burgeoning opportunities for advancement within the local aerospace industry.”

Since its establishment in 2012, Collins Aerospace’s Philippines facility has been at the forefront of manufacturing various cabin interior products – from galleys and galley inserts to lavatories and oxygen equipment, further cementing its standing as a key player in the aerospace sector.