Qatar Airways & Philippine Airlines Expand Loyalty Partnership
Qatar Avios says 'Mabuhay' to Philippine Airlines redemptions
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, which will bring reciprocal mileage earning and redemption opportunities across both airlines’ frequent flyer programs.
For Australian frequent flyers, the most interesting proposition is the ability to redeem Qatar Avios for Philippine Airlines flights to and from Australia. The Philippine flag carrier currently operates services to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, with some routes seeing daily flights.
Perhaps less appealing is redeeming Mabuhay Miles for Qatar Airways flights, which will also become possible. In Australia, opportunities to earn Mabuhay Miles are particularly limited, especially when compared to the far more accessible Avios ecosystem.
Alongside the loyalty partnership, both airlines are also expanding their codeshare agreement, improving connectivity between the Philippines, Doha, and more than 20 European destinations.
Improved Connections Through Doha & Manila
From 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its PR code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, significantly expanding one-stop access to Europe for Philippine Airlines passengers. Via Qatar’s Doha hub, travellers will be able to connect onwards to more than 20 European destinations, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt.
At the same time, Qatar Airways will add its QR code to selected Philippine Airlines domestic services, enabling smoother onward connections from Manila and Cebu to popular leisure destinations across the Philippines. This includes Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan.
For Qatar Airways passengers, the expanded partnership improves access to regional Philippine destinations that would otherwise require separate bookings and additional transit arrangements. Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines customers gain considerably stronger connectivity into Europe through Qatar Airways’ extensive long-haul network.
Qatar Airways & Philippine Airlines Link Loyalty Programs
The biggest development for frequent flyers is the introduction of reciprocal mileage earning and redemption between Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles.
Privilege Club members will now be able to collect and redeem Avios across Philippine Airlines’ international and domestic network, including flights throughout Southeast Asia, Australasia, the United States, and destinations within the Philippines such as Cebu, Clark, and Davao.
For Mabuhay Miles members, the partnership unlocks earning and redemption opportunities across Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, including destinations throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Redeeming Qatar Avios For Philippine Airlines Flights
Award redemptions are already appearing through the Qatar Airways website, with pricing seemingly based on distance. Rather annoyingly, Qatar Airways does not publish an award chart for Philippine Airlines flights.
For Australian travellers, Philippine Airlines business class from Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney to Manila costs 90,000 Avios one-way. Perth flights come in slightly lower at 81,000 Avios.
If you’d prefer to travel in economy, expect to pay 45,000 Avios from Australia’s East Coast, or 27,000 Avios from Perth.
Taxes and carrier-imposed fees appear to be quite reasonable. For example, a business or economy redemption from Melbourne to Manila attracts A$135.25 in fees.
Summing Up: My Take
As mentioned, the most exciting part of this whole announcement is the ability to redeem Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios for travel on Philippine Airlines flights.
I’ve flown long-haul with Philippine Airlines a few times, and the onboard product is actually quite good. Most flights to Australia are operated by the Airbus A330, which has the same Thompson Vantage XL seat used by Qantas in business class, and onboard dining is acceptable.
That said, my first experience with Philippine Airlines was an absolute cluster. As covered in my review, the entire aircraft was quarantined in a hotel under armed guard following an overnight delay. After eventually arriving back in Australia, the airline had lost my luggage.
Despite my horror story, I’d still happily fly Philippine Airlines again, particularly if award availability opens up at competitive Avios pricing. For Australians, the partnership adds another genuinely useful redemption option within the Avios ecosystem. Especially for flights between Australia and the Philippines, and onward connections throughout Southeast Asia.
