Tan daughter starts work on PAL plan

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airlines (PAL) officer in charge Vivienne Tan is working on a plan aligned with attaining her father’s vision for the flag carrier as she takes over the mantle of leadership in the company.

“We’re still in the planning stage. It’s more of what my father has always dreamt for Philippines Airlines. To make his vision come true,” said Vivienne, daughter of taipan and PAL chairman Lucio Tan, following the firm’s board meeting yesterday.

Vivienne said she would need as much people as possible in the planning stage as well as in the execution of her goals for the flag carrier.

“We will have to get all the information first before we can plan correctly,” Vivienne said, adding that “definitely we will make use of all the good people and talents of PAL.”

Vivienne, also the concurrent executive vice president, treasurer and chief administrative officer of PAL, has worked for the company in various capacities since 2011 and also sits as board member of holding firm LT Group Inc., Philippine National Bank, and Eton Properties, among others.

PAL’s board affirmed yesterday the retirement of Jaime Bautista as PAL president and chief executive officer. Bautista will be staying until June 30.

PAL last week said its chairman Lucio Tan and the members of the PAL board of directors have accepted Bautista’s retirement after he expressed his desire to spend more time with his family.

PAL is preparing to do a re-initial public offering this year and was able to secure stockholders approval last month to raise its authorized capital stock to P20 billion from the current P13.5 billion.

After two consecutive years of net loss due to high operating costs and very stiff competition, PAL is also hoping to return to profitability this year.