SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall named as next president of Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has named Richard Nuttall, the current CEO of SriLankan Airlines, as its new President, effective May 29, 2025. 

 

Nuttall will make history as the first foreign national to hold the role in the airline’s 83-year legacy.  

 

Nuttall is credited with steering SriLankan Airlines back to operational profitability and revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector amid economic turbulence. Under his leadership, the carrier unveiled ambitious plans to double its fleet to 50 aircraft within five years, aligning with Sri Lanka’s national goal of generating $10 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030.  

 

Meanwhile, industry sources indicate that a Sri Lankan is favored to succeed Nuttall as the next CEO of the National Carrier.