Established on March 15, 1941, Philippine Airlines is the first airline company in Asia. In January 1995, Lucio C. Tan spent four billion dollars taking over Philippine National Airlines, which had suffered losses for years. After the takeover, more than 40 airplanes were renewed and many new international routes were opened to cover 31 cities in 19 countries and 21 cities in the Philippines. Gradually Philippine Airlines made up the deficits and got surpluses. In March 2003, its net income reached nearly 300 million pesos. Philippine Airlines has opened three routes in Mainland China:  

1. In 1985, a direct route from Manila to Xiamen was opened, with 4 flights a week. 

2. In October 2001, a direct route from Manila to Shanghai was opened, with 7 flights a week. 

3. On November 11, 2005, a direct route from Manila to Beijing was opened, with 5 flights a week.