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PAL Bolsters Long-Haul Fleet with Third A350-1000, Eyes San Francisco Route
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has received its third Airbus A350-1000, enhancing its long-haul capabilities. The new aircraft will debut on the Manila-San Francisco route on August 5, as part of a broader plan to expand its A350-1000 fleet to up to 23 aircraft.
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its third Airbus A350-1000, its anchor aircraft for long-haul and trans-Pacific flights. Registered as RP-C3512, the next-generation wide-body jet arrived in Manila on Wednesday from Airbus’ delivery hub in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is part of PAL’s order for nine A350-1000s placed in 2023. This delivery cements PAL’s position as the first and only carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the A350-1000. In a statement, PAL said the aircraft’s arrival reinforces the airline’s ongoing fleet modernization and long-haul growth strategy. According to the airline, RP-C3512 will make its maiden commercial flight on Aug. 5 with a nonstop Manila-San Francisco flight operating every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Starting in September, it will operate the service daily. Six more A350-1000s are scheduled to join PAL’s fleet by 2028. The first aircraft arrived in Manila in December 2025, while the second was delivered last May. The addition also expands the list of long-haul destinations served by the A350-1000 to cover San Francisco. The aircraft currently serves PAL’s nonstop flights to New York and Toronto. As previously announced, PAL will also deploy the A350-1000 on domestic flights for a limited time in August. To accommodate an expected surge in travel for the Kadayawan Festival, the aircraft will operate the Manila-Davao route on Aug. 13 and Aug. 16. Even before receiving the full delivery of its 2023 order, PAL had already expanded its commitment to the A350-1000. At the Farnborough International Airshow held in England earlier this month, PAL signed an agreement with Airbus to purchase nine additional A350-1000s, with options for five more. If all options were exercised, the airline’s A350-1000 fleet could grow to as many as 23 aircraft. At the time, Lucio Tan III, president and COO of PAL Holdings Inc., said the “A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come.” INQ
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