On November 14, 1935, the Philippine Congress approved the franchise of Philippine Aerial Taxi Company Incorporated (PATCO) to provide mail, cargo and passenger service particularly in the island of Luzon. The company then had scheduled Manila-Baguio and Manila-Paracale flights.[10] The company became dormant for six years on its scheduled passenger operation under its assigned routes.[8]
Philippine Air Lines[edit]
On February 26, 1941 Philippine Air Lines, Inc. by a group of businessmen led by Andrés Soriano, Sr., hailed as one of the Philippines' leading industrialists at the time,[11] who served as general manager, and former Senator Ramon Fernandez, who served as chairman and president. Philippine Air Lines, Inc. acquired the franchise of Philippine Aerial Taxi Company Incorporated, thus the birth of Philippine Airlines.[8]
The airline’s first flight took place on March 15, 1941 with a single Beechcraft Model 18 NPC-54 on daily services between Manila (from Nielson Field) and Baguio.[11] On July 22, the airline acquired the franchise of the Philippine Aerial Taxi Company. Government investment in September paved the way for its nationalization.