Philippine Airlines Boosts Long-Haul Fleet with 9 New Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to bolster its long-haul fleet with the acquisition of nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, a move aimed at strengthening its international route network. The airline has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the new aircraft, which includes purchase rights for five more. This latest order is expected to increase PAL's fleet size and solidify the Airbus A350-1000's position as the airline's flagship for long-haul operations. Deliveries are scheduled to commence between 2034 and 2036. "The A350-1000 will continue to define the future of our international operations for many years to come," said PAL President and COO Lucio Tan III. He highlighted the aircraft's exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort, which have enabled PAL to expand its reach across North America and deliver a world-class travel experience. Currently, PAL operates two Airbus A350-1000s on key long-haul routes, including non-stop flights from Manila to New York and Toronto. An additional seven aircraft from a 2023 order are expected to be delivered by 2028. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President for Sales of Commercial Aircraft, stated, "We are proud that PAL is strongly expanding its A350-1000 flagship fleet, flying the flag of the Philippines across the world. This agreement marks an important milestone in deepening our partnership with Philippine Airlines. Being the long-range leader, the A350-1000 is the perfect platform for the airline to build its future long-haul network and meet continued growth, especially in competitive premium transpacific markets. We look forward to finalizing this new order soon." The purchase rights for the additional five A350-1000 aircraft will provide PAL with flexibility to support future fleet requirements and market opportunities.