MBC chief, aviation veteran join PAL board

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June 2, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has elected the head of the Makati Business Club (MBC) and an aviation veteran to its board of directors to boost leadership in a challenging time.

PAL yesterday announced the election of Edgar Chua and Datuk Captain Izham Ismail as its new independent directors following the annual meeting of its shareholders.

Chua, one of the country’s most respected business leaders, serves as chairman of MBC, known for its role in pushing legislation on economic matters.

He also held senior leadership, independent directorship and advisory roles in other companies. Chua served for 13 years, or from 2003 to 2016, as country chairman of oil giant Shell Companies in the Philippines.

Chua brings with him decades of experience on corporate governance and crisis strategy. PAL is also leaning on him for expertise and guidance on organizational transformation and stakeholder engagement.

Further, PAL added Izham as independent director for his more than four decades of experience in airline operations and management in Malaysia, where aviation competition is tight.

Izham served as managing director of the Malaysia Aviation Group, where he pursued a series of commercial, operational and organizational initiatives.

Izham traces a prior connection with PAL when he attended in 1979 the PAL Aviation School as part of pilot training.

PAL Holdings Inc. chairman and CEO Lucio Tan said the election of Chua and Izham provides the airline with a boardroom boost as it gears up for long-term growth. He also views Chua and Izham as experts that the airline can rely on in navigating challenging times.

“We are delighted to welcome Chua and Izham to PAL’s board of directors. Mr. Chua’s extensive business leadership experience and Captain Izham’s global aviation expertise will be invaluable, as PAL continues to pursue sustainable growth, strengthen corporate governance and expand its role in connecting the Philippines to the world,” Tan said.

PAL is dealing with elevated jet fuel prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, hoping to come out of it with an expanded fleet and a stronger network.

PAL operates nonstop flights from Manila and Cebu to 40 foreign cities and 29 local destinations.