The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Flying a National Airline Through Bankruptcy
Gilbert Santa Maria ’91 took over the struggling Philippine Airlines months before the COVID pandemic. He talks about finding creative ways to keep the airline flying and steering it toward a more sustainable future.
A new profile examines how Gilbert Santa Maria ’91 steered Philippine Airlines as it faced severe financial strain in the years leading up to the COVID-19 outbreak. The narrative centers on leadership decisions aimed at maintaining service while navigating uncertainty.
The piece highlights Santa Maria’s early takeover of the airline during a period of hardship, describing his intention to keep operations alive despite challenging conditions. It emphasizes resilience and strategic planning as core aspects of his approach.
According to the report, the focus was on finding creative solutions to sustain flight operations and preserve the airline’s viability through difficult times. The discussion frames these efforts as foundational to moving toward a more sustainable business model.
The article situates these efforts within a broader context of ongoing financial and operational pressures that many national carriers faced, noting how a leadership shift can influence an airline’s trajectory during crisis.