Collins Aerospace, a division of RTX, recently welcomed Philippine Airlines (PAL) to its Tanauan City facility for the First Article Inspection (FAI) of aircraft seats. This milestone marks the first collaboration between Collins’ Philippine facility and PAL, highlighting the growing capabilities of the country’s aerospace sector.
Stanley Ng, president of Philippine Airlines, led a team of executives to evaluate the Pinnacle® main cabin seats, which will soon be installed on PAL’s narrow-body aircraft. Representatives from the Board of Investments, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the U.S. Embassy also attended the event.
“This collaboration between Collins Aerospace and Philippine Airlines represents a significant step forward for the Philippines’ aerospace industry,” said Mary DeStaffan, senior director of Operations at Collins Aerospace Philippines. “The expansion of Collins’ main cabin seating production at our Philippines location, in addition to installing the seats to fly on the nation’s flag carrier soon, showcases our facility’s world-class capabilities and demonstrates the potential for growth in the local aerospace sector.”
Ng emphasized the importance of this partnership in enhancing passenger experience and supporting local industries. “Philippine Airlines is proud to partner with Collins Aerospace in this initiative,” he said. “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to supporting local industry while ensuring our passengers enjoy the highest standards of comfort and safety. Being the first airline in the country to install locally made seats adds a special significance to our fleet enhancement program.”
Focus on Passenger Comfort and Design
The Pinnacle main cabin seat, chosen for PAL’s fleet, provides a blend of comfort, modular design, and optimized space. Its durable structure and modern passenger amenities aim to elevate the travel experience for passengers on PAL’s narrow-body routes.
Collins Aerospace’s Tanauan City facility, which opened in 2012, has played an important role in manufacturing cabin interior products, including galleys, lavatories, oxygen equipment, and galley inserts. In 2024, the facility delivered its first main cabin seats, marking the expansion of its production capabilities.
The partnership between Collins Aerospace and PAL also reflects the potential for growth in the Philippine aerospace sector. With the Tanauan facility contributing to the production of high-quality cabin interior products, the collaboration demonstrates how local manufacturing can meet global standards.
