PAL's A350-1000 to Debut on Domestic Route to Davao

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airlines (PAL) will deploy its long-haul aircraft Airbus A350-1000 on domestic flights for the first time, with select Manila-Davao services scheduled in August in time for the Kadayawan Festival. Until now, PAL has exclusively deployed the A350-1000 on its nonstop New York and Toronto flights. But for two days, on Aug. 13 and 16, the aircraft will operate Manila-Davao flights and their return services, offering a total capacity of 382 seats across economy, premium economy and business class. These flights coincide with Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival, a weeklong celebration dubbed the “King of Philippine Festivals.” The Davao City government expects around 250,000 people to attend this year’s festivities. “Bringing our newest flagship aircraft to Davao for this occasion is our way of joining the festivities in true PAL fashion — giving our passengers a flight experience as memorable as the destination itself,” PAL vice president for sales and distribution Justin Warby said. PAL currently operates two A350-1000 aircraft and expects to receive seven more by 2028. Following another order announced this month, the flag carrier could eventually expand its A350-1000 fleet to as many as 23 aircraft if it exercises all of its purchase options. Airbus will deliver those additional aircraft between 2034 and 2036. The Lucio Tan-led carrier operates scheduled nonstop flights from its hubs in Manila and Cebu to 29 destinations across the Philippines and 40 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East. /pai INQ