More than five months after it received the first aircraft of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Last Friday, May 29, at 5:18 pm, the brand new Airbus A350-1000 of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
The said plane, RP-C3511, is the second A350-1000 plane of the airline and its delivery is considered a major milestone in the legacy airlines’s continuing fleet modernization program.
It follows the delivery of PAL’s first A350-1000 in December 2025 and forms part of the airline’s order for nine aircraft of the same type scheduled to be delivered in phases over the next few years.
At present, Philippine Airlines also remains the first and only carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, whcih is on the larger end of the aircraft family.
Designed for long-haul operations, the A350-1000 delivers greater fuel efficiency, operational reliability, passenger comfort, and improved environmental performance.
Among its sustainable features are the 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft, and is capable of being operated with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
For PAL, the plane type supports its growing network between the Philippines and North America.
“As demand for international travel continues to grow, this second Airbus A350-1000 will play an important role in enhancing our long-haul operations and elevating the overall passenger experience while supporting the long-term modernization of Philippine Airlines,” noted Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall.
Prior to these deliveries, a demonstration flight conducted in 2018 saw the first time that an actual A350-1000 landed in Manila.
Apart from A350-1000, also in PAL’s fleet are A350-900, as well as A320s, A321s, A330s, and Boeing 777.
The arrival alsp comes as PAL continues to build on its operational momentum, as it was recognized as the most on-time airline in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025 by global aviation analytics firm Cirium.