Jaime J. Bautista Retires as President and COO of Philippine Airlines

It is a sad day for the aviation industry, as one of the most highly respected, successful, likeable and down-to-earth airline Presidents has called it a day and retired.

Jaime J. Bautista, Philippine Airlines' President and Chief Operating Officer, has retired so that he can spend more time with his family.

Bautista was appointed President and COO in August 2004, taking over from Avelino L. Zapanta who had held the post for five years.

The airline has expanded its fleet and network and won many awards since Mr. Bautista took over, including its most recent from the Skytrax World Airline Awards on Tuesday for being the 'Most Improved Airline' in the world for 2019, beating the likes of British Airways, Malaysia Airlines, United Airlines and others to that coveted No. 1 spot.

Vivienne K. Tan, PAL's Executive Vice President, has been appointed as Officer-in-Charge.

In a message to PAL employees, Vivienne Tan, PAL OIC and concurrent EVP, Treasurer and Chief Administrative Officer, thanked Bautista for his many years of dedicated service to the flag carrier.

"As this is the beginning of JJB’s retirement life with his family, let it also be the beginning of even greater dreams for PAL and all PALers ... On behalf of my father [Lucio Tan], I am asking all of you to continue working towards our goals. I am personally committed to working with all of you hand in hand and build on what we have already accomplished," she said.

Tan has more than 25 years of professional experience in technology, education, entrepreneurship and social advocacy.

Aside from PAL, she also sits as board member of Tan holding firm LT Group, Inc., Philippine National Bank, Eton Properties, Dynamic Holdings, University of the East and UERMMMC.

Tan is no stranger to the inner workings of PAL having worked for the airline in various capacities since 2011. Later she moved to other positions in the LT Group, mainly in the real estate, banking and education sectors.

Tan holds a double degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of San Francisco, as well as a postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Design and Manufacturing Management from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, USA.

Philippine Airlines has said that it’s ‘business as usual’, and that all flights and services are proceeding as scheduled.

The retirement of Mr. Bautista is effective 30 June 2019.

See also: Philippine Airlines HD Video Interview with Jaime J. Bautista, President & COO (2016) as well as Hospitality Management Interns from Philippines Interview - UHD 4K.

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