PAL Boosts Long-Haul Fleet with Additional A350-1000 Orders

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is significantly expanding its long-haul fleet with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to procure nine additional A350-1000 aircraft from aerospace giant Airbus. The deal also includes purchase rights for five more of the wide-body jets. This latest order follows PAL's submission of an initial commitment to buy 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for five more, just a day prior, underscoring a rapid acceleration of its wide-body fleet expansion plans. Once all deliveries are completed, the new Airbus order will double PAL's A350-1000 fleet to 18 aircraft. PAL had previously ordered nine A350-1000s in 2023, with two already delivered and the remaining seven expected by 2028. PAL currently deploys the A350-1000 on some of its longest routes to North America, including services to New York and Toronto. The airline plans to utilize the newly ordered aircraft for similar long-haul destinations. The A350-1000 is configured by PAL in a three-class layout, comprising 42 business class suites with privacy doors and flat beds, 24 premium economy seats, and 316 economy class seats, totaling 382 seats. All cabins are equipped with in-flight entertainment and internet access. The A350-1000 is recognized as one of the most fuel-efficient long-range aircraft available, capable of flying up to 16,700 kilometers with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn. Lucio Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings Inc., expressed pride in PAL being the first Southeast Asian carrier to operate the A350-1000. He believes the aircraft will define PAL's competency for international flights. "As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the A350-1000, PAL has experienced firsthand the aircraft’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability and its passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the world-class travel experience our customers deserve," Tan stated. To support the longevity of its A350-1000 fleet, PAL also signed a memorandum of understanding with Rolls-Royce to purchase 18 Trent XWB-97 engines to power the aircraft. Additionally, the airline has entered into Rolls-Royce's TotalCare program, ensuring comprehensive health and maintenance coverage for its fleet.