FOA was granted the franchise to provide air transport service in the Philippines and between the Philippines and other countries on June 20, 1964, despite legal opposition by Philippine Airlines. The company slogan was The Nation's Flag Carrier.
On June 20, 1964, FOA was granted permission to provide air transport services both domestically in the Philippines and internationally, even though it encountered opposition from Philippine Airlines. The company marketed itself as "Flagship of the Nation."