Affirming their previously disclosed deal at a major airshow earlier this year.
Recently, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) affirmed its order for nine new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with the plane manufacturer, as well as the Trent XWB-97 engines with Rolls-Royce.
The three parties signed the said deal covering the nine aircraft that were previously ordered during the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom last July, where a Memorandum of Understanding was also inked.
These definitive agreements cover the nine aircraft, as well as the purchase rights for five more.
The firm order also brings PAL’s total A350-1000 commitment to 18 aircraft, accounting the nine previously acquired under a separate deal in 2023—four of which have been delivered.
Currently, the Filipino flag carrier is the first and only airline in Southeast Asia to fly the A350-1000.
It is deployed to flights to and from the East and West Coasts of the United States and to Canada, with the company looking to utilize the additional aircraft tl more of PAL’s long-haul network in the future.
Lucio Tan III, PAL Holdings, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement: “We have seen what this aircraft can do. It has allowed us to fly nonstop to North America with better fuel efficiency and a better experience for our passengers.
Meanwhile, Airbus Commercial Aircraft business EVP for Sales, noted: “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.”
He also said that the model is the “perfect platform” for the airline to build its future long-haul network and meet continued growth, especially in competitive premium transpacific markets..
The PAL A350-1000 features Business Class called the Mabuhay Studios suites with privacy doors, are designed with Lift Aero Design—offering 42 full-flat seats with sliding privacy doors and direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 layout.
Each also has a 20-inch 4K screen, free full-flight Wi-Fi for messaging, browsing and streaming, and wireless charging.
There is also dedicated Premium Economy cabin, offering spacious recliners with leg rest and footrest, a 13.3-inch 4K screen and free messaging and browsing.
As for the Economy Class that features a 3-4-3 abreast seating layout, which are also complemented by the latest inflight entertainment and connectivity systems. Seats have a 32-inch pitch, four-way adjustable headrests, and a personal device holder. Every seat in both cabins has its own entertainment screen and USB-A and USB-C charging.
Meanwhile, with fuel being the biggest expense of the group, the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97, the exclusive engine for the A350-1000 is being touted for its reliability and fuel efficiency, with the deal covering a “comprehensive engine maintenance and support to keep aircraft available and flights on schedule.”
Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer, Rolls-Royce, noted: “We are delighted to take this next step with Philippine Airlines and finalize the agreement we announced at Farnborough International Air Show earlier this year. Our partnership goes back many years, and this order highlights Philippine Airline’s continued confidence in the Trent XWB-97’s proven reliability and efficiency.”
He also said that the additional support they will provide assires Philippine Airlines in its growing A350- 1000 fleet to expand its connections between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.
According to the flag carrier, it now has a fleet of 86 aircraft, 65 of which are from Airbus.
Aside from the plane type, Philippine Airlines also has A320s, A321s, A330s, A350-900, and Boeing 777 in its fleet.
PAL currently 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.
