Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for nine additional Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft. The agreement was announced during the Farnborough Air Show by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, Lars Wagner, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.
Once finalised, the new agreement will double Philippine Airlines’ total orders for the A350-1000 to 18 aircraft. The first two aircraft have already been delivered this year.
Designated as the carrier’s new flagship, the A350-1000 will enable Philippine Airlines to further develop its long-haul network, primarily connecting Manila with destinations in North America. The expansion includes non-stop services in both directions between Manila and cities on the East Coast of the United States and Canada.
PAL has specified a three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating 382 passengers. The configuration includes 42 Business Class suites with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a separate Premium Economy cabin and 316 Economy Class seats. All cabins will feature the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity.
Lucio C. Tan III said the A350-1000 will continue to define the future of Philippine Airlines’ international operations for many years. He added that as the first and currently only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, PAL has experienced the aircraft’s range, fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort.
Tan said the aircraft has expanded PAL’s reach across North America while supporting the airline’s passenger experience.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said Airbus is proud that Philippine Airlines is expanding its A350-1000 flagship fleet. He added that the agreement represents an important milestone in the partnership between Airbus and Philippine Airlines.
He said the A350-1000 provides a platform for PAL to develop its future long-haul network and respond to continued growth, particularly in premium transpacific markets.
Philippine Airlines operates several Airbus aircraft across its full-service network. In addition to the A350, PAL operates A330-300 aircraft to destinations in the Middle East, Australia and various locations across Asia. The airline also operates A320 and A321 single-aisle aircraft on domestic and regional services.
